Governor M. Jodi Rell today ordered flags flown on state buildings to be lowered to half staff to honor the Marine serving in a Connecticut-based reserves unit who died after being shot while on foot patrol in Fallujah, Iraq.

Lance Corporal Kurt Dechen of Springfield, Vt., was shot Thursday when his unit came under fire, according to a Marines spokesman.

The 24-year-old, shot on his birthday, was serving in the 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment of Plainville. The unit had been sent to Iraq last spring.


"The reality of the fight for democracy half-way around the globe has been brought home once again," Governor Rell said. "This young man represented all of us in our country's bid to bring freedom to repressed people, and I know Connecticut, New England and the entire nation will pause to mourn his passing. My heart goes to his family in Vermont."

At the Governor's direction, flags will remain at half staff until Lance Corporal Dechen has been interred. Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized.

Originally published August 6, 2006

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