Flags to fly at half-staff today in Minnesota

In honor and remembrance of Police Officer Shawn Schneider and the last living Medal of Honor recipient in Minnesota Michael “Mike” Colalillo, Governor Mark Dayton has ordered all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset today, Saturday, January 7.

At the direction of the governor, Minnesota flies its flags at half-staff following the loss of these heroes on the day of their respective funerals. Individuals, businesses and other organizations are also encouraged to lower their flags in observance of the honor and remembrance of Officer Shawn Schneider and Michael Colalillo on Saturday, January 7, 2012.

Police Officer Shawn Schneider, 32, was a nine-year veteran of the Lake City, Minnesota Police Department. Officer Shawn Schneider was friendly, outgoing, well-known, and well-liked throughout his entire community. He was married for nine years to his best friend, Brittany, and together they had three children, Lillijuana; Collin, and Alex.

Officer Schneider died a hero on December 30, 2011, 11 days after being shot in the line of duty while saving the life of another person.

Michael “Mike” Colalillo, the last living Medal of Honor recipient in Minnesota, died Friday, December 30, 2011, at 86 years of age at a nursing home in Duluth. Colalillo received the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military honor, for bravery in combat after killing or wounding 25 Germans during a fierce World War II battle near Untergriesheim, Germany on April 17, 1945, and for helping a seriously wounded comrade to safety.

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