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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 2:44 p.m., Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Flags to be lowered in honor of Aiea soldier

Advertiser Staff

Gov. Linda Lingle has ordered the United States and Hawai'i state flags at state, county and federal buildings throughout Hawai'i to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset tomorrow in honor of Army 1st Lt. Jonathan P. Brostrom.

The 'Aiea resident was killed on July 13, along with eight other U.S. soldiers in an attack by the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Funeral services for Brostrom will be held on Thursday.

Brostrom, a Damien Memorial School and University of Hawai'i graduate, and the eight other soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, based in Vicenza, Italy.

"Our hearts are saddened by the loss of one of Hawai'i's brave sons," said Lingle. "First Lt. Brostrom earned the respect and trust of his platoon. He was a true patriot who fought with honor to defend our country and our freedom. Our state and our nation are grateful for his service, his leadership and his sacrifice, and our condolences go out to his family and friends."

"We will forever remember Jonathan for giving his life to the cause of freedom," said Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona. "We join the people of Hawai'i in offering our thoughts and prayers to Jonathan's family and friends."