Pawlenty orders flags lowered to honor soldier

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has ordered flags at the state Capitol complex lowered to half-staff Friday to honor a fallen Minnesota soldier.

Army Ranger Ben Kopp is being buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

The 21-year-old soldier from Rosemount died July 18 after being wounded in battle in Afghanistan.

Kopp served two tours in Iraq before his tour in Afghanistan as a member of the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment based at Fort Benning, Ga.

Kopp's funeral was held last Saturday at Rosemount High School. His heart was donated to a 57-year-old Chicago woman.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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