JERSEY CITY – Gov. Christopher Christie has ordered flags that flags at state buildings be flown at half staff through Saturday in honor of Army Pfc. LeRoy DeRonde III, a Jersey City resident killed in Afghanistan on May 27. Flags at Jersey City buildings will also be flown at half-staff and Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy is encouraging local businesses to do the same.
The Department of Defense announced that Army Pfc. DeRonde III, 22, a soldier serving as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, was killed during an enemy attack on his unit.
Born and raised in Jersey City, DeRonde III joined the Army in January 2011 to help support his family. He was one of a handful of graduates to have been immediately promoted to a Private E2. He was assigned to the 125th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, based in Fort Bliss, Texas.
“Army Pfc. LeRoy DeRonde III paid the ultimate price defending the United States of America and the principles which our country was founded,” Healy said in a statement. “Losing such a young life is a terrible tragedy and during this difficult time, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends. As we mourn with them, I hope they find comfort in knowing Army Pfc. DeRonde died a hero fighting for his country. I urge everyone to honor his memory and pray for the protection and safety of our men and women in uniform who are currently fighting in distant lands. I also extend my gratitude to those who have fought and to those who stand readily to fight for our country’s honor. We will forever be indebted to them, and today, I salute Army Pfc. DeRonde III for his service and sacrifice.”
The viewing for PFC. DeRonde will be from 5 to 9 p.m. on June 7 and Friday, June 8 at the McLaughlin Funeral Home, 625 Pavonia Avenue in Jersey City.
There will be a Jersey City Police escort for the funeral services on Saturday, June 9, which will be held with full military honors at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery, in the 9-11 Veterans Memorial section, 340 Ridge Road in North Arlington, NJ.