Gov. Rick Snyder has ordered the United States flags to be lowered in honor of U.S. Navy Hospitalman Benjamin D. Rast on Friday, April 15, 2011.
Rast, 23, of Niles, died April 6, 2011 while conducting a dismounted patrol in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. He was assigned as a hospitalman to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment 2nd Marine Division. Rast was stationed at the Naval Medical Center, Expeditionary Medical Force Detachment in San Diego, California. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Pistol Marksmanship Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 15, 2011 in Niles at the Brandywine High School gym. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at the Brandywine High School gym.
"My sincerest condolences are with Benjamin's family. He was a brave young man who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation's freedom and for the state of Michigan," Snyder said.
When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the United States flag should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff or half-mast position. The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.
