Flags lower in honor of Valley G.I.
This story appeared in the Antelope Valley Press on Thursday, April 12, 2007.

Valley Press Staff
LANCASTER - By decree of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, flags at the State Capitol in Sacramento will fly at half staff until Saturday afternoon in honor of Pfc. Walter Freeman Jr. of Lancaster, who died April 4 in Iraq, serving with the infantry in Baghdad.

Freeman, 20, and another soldier were killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during an operation to restore security in the embattled Iraqi capital, the Pentagon said Monday.

"Private First Class Freeman fought for the liberties that set our nation apart as a beacon of freedom," Schwarzenegger said Wednesday in a statement. "Californians are forever grateful for Walter's dedication to our country."

Capitol flags will fly at half staff for 72 hours, beginning Wednesday at 2:10 p.m.

Flags in Lancaster also will fly at half staff, Mayor Henry Hearns said Thursday. Hearns, a Korean War veteran, also offered his condolences to Freeman's family.

"I want to say to the family that we appreciate them not only sharing their son, who paid the ultimate price, but we also appreciate them being here in the Antelope Valley," he said. "We offer them our condolences and will do everything we can for them."

State Sen. George Runner, R-Lancaster, said the state Senate will adjourn in Freeman's honor after its next session Monday.

"It's the ultimate sacrifice that young men make for their country," Runner said. "It brings the reality to us that there are individuals laying their lives on the line for us as we live our safe lives here in America."

Assemblywoman Sharon Runner, R-Lancaster, said the state Assembly would also adjourn in Freeman's honor either today or on Monday.

"We want to offer whatever resources we have to help his family," the assemblywoman said. " Giving your life to preserve our freedoms is the ultimate sacrifice."

Freeman is at least the seventh military service member from the Antelope Valley to die in Iraq since the March 2003 invasion, and the second since a new security sweep was launched in mid-February in the capital.

Freeman and his companion were among five American military personnel to die the same day in Iraq. Four were killed in two roadside bomb explosions in southern Baghdad and north of the capital, while another was killed by small-arms fire in the eastern part of the city, the Associated Press reported.

Valley Press editorial staff have attempted contact with Pfc Freeman's immediate family without success.