Dayton Orders Flags Lowered For Fallen Troops

ST. PAUL  (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton has ordered that U.S. and state flags be lowered at state and federal buildings in Minnesota on Friday to honor two Minnesotans who died overseas while in uniform.

Army Master Sgt. Michael Charles Fastner died in 1951 in a prisoner of war camp in North Korea after enemy forces attacked his unit in late 1950. His remains were identified in September and will be buried in St. Paul on Friday.

Dayton's order also honors Marine Lance Cpl. Robert S. Greniger of Greenfield, who died July 12 in Afghanistan during combat operations. He was 21.

At the governor's direction, Minnesota lowers its flags when Minnesota military personnel killed in the line of duty are buried, including those who are returned to their families long after their service.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)