Flags at half-staff for slain Marine

Flags throughout the state should fly at half-staff today in honor of slain Lance Cpl. Brian Parrello of West Milford, acting Governor Codey ordered Friday.

Parrello, who would have turned 19 Friday, died on Jan. 1 in Hadithah, Iraq. He was attached to a Marine Swift Boat unit that patrolled the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. He graduated from West Milford High School in 2003.

"Lance Corporal Parrello's bravery and his commitment to this country are worthy of our deepest respect, honor and gratitude," Codey said in a statement.

His executive order described Parrello as "a hero and true role model for all Americans."

Parrello is to be buried this morning with full military honors, at the cemetery of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, at 454 Germantown Road in West Milford. Funeral services begin at 10 a.m.

Donations to two charities are being accepted in honor of Parrello: The Brian P. Parrello Scholarship Fund, c/o Lakeland Bank, 1527 Union Valley Road, West Milford, NJ 07480; and the West Milford Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 72, West Milford, NJ 07480.