Governor Orders Flags to Half-Staff for Soldier

Gov. Donald Carcieri has ordered the United States and Rhode Island State flags lowered to half-staff to honor the passing of United States Army .

"Sergeant Paranzino served our nation with great patriotism, honor and dignity," Carcieri said in a release. "His death is a sad reminder of the price of our freedom and security, and we, as a state and a nation, are forever indebted to him. On behalf of the First Lady and all Rhode Islanders, our thoughts and prayers go out to the Paranzino family." 

Flags are to remain at half-staff until Sgt. Paranzino is laid to rest. Sgt. Paranzino was killed Friday in the line of duty in Afghanistan, where he served as a cavalry scout with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. Sgt. Paranzino is reportedly the 23rd Rhode Island soldier killed in the line of duty since September 11, 2001.