October 06, 2008

Flags lowered to honor war casualty

Under a proclamation signed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the United States flag and the Illinois flag are at half-staff at all State of Illinois facilities in honor of an Illinois man killed last month while serving in the military in the war in Iraq.

The flags are to be flown at half-staff from today, Monday, Oct. 6, until sunset, Wednesday, Oct. 8, in honor of U.S. Army Pfc. Ja’Mel A. Bryant.

Reports indicate that Bryant, 22, of Belleville, was killed Sept. 27, from injuries received in a vehicle accident while on patrol in Wahida, Iraq. Bryant joined the U.S. Army in 2006. He was assigned to the 40th Engineer Battalion in the 1st Armored Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team in Baumholder, Germany.