WHEREAS, United States Army Private First Class (PFC) Anthony P. Steitz was a longtime resident of Union Township; and

WHEREAS, PFC Steitz was in his junior year at Union High School; and

WHEREAS, PFC Steitz joined the New Jersey National Guard in January 2019 and was preparing to report for basic training this summer at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri; and

WHEREAS, PFC Steitz was active in Union High School’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), which is recognized nationally; and

WHEREAS, on the night of PFC Steitz’s tragic passing, he attended the Union High School JROTC’s annual military ball, where he earned the highest achievement, the Superior Cadet Award; and

WHEREAS, PFC Steitz was the beloved son of Nicole Bollaro and Gary Steitz, and his presence will be missed by his family, his friends, his fellow service members, and by the people of New Jersey whom are grateful for his service; and

WHEREAS, it is with immense sadness that we mourn PFC Steitz’s sudden passing, and extend our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and colleagues; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to honor the exemplary character, outstanding achievements, and cherished memory of PFC Steitz, and to mark his passing;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHILIP D. MURPHY, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

1. The flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Friday, May 3, 2019, in recognition and mourning of a committed public servant, Private First Class Anthony P. Steitz.

2. This Order shall take effect immediately.