Statement of Governor Sonny Perdue Regarding the Death of Three Soldiers with the 48 th Brigade

Statewide Prayer Vigil Set for August 18

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today regarding the death of three soldiers with the 48 th Brigade in Iraq on Wednesday:

“Once again, Mary and I want to express our deep sadness over the deaths of three soldiers from Georgia 's 48 th Brigade. We understand and share the feelings of loss felt by families and communities across Georgia . 

“While the death of any American soldier is tragic, these deaths fall particularly close to home because these soldiers are our fathers, brothers, neighbors, coworkers and friends. These are the citizen soldiers that live next door.

“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families of these fallen soldiers, and those that fell before them.”

Governor Perdue also announced that he will lead a statewide prayer vigil at the State Capitol on Thursday, August 18 to in honor of Georgia 's fallen soldiers, the injured, and those who continue to serve in Iraq and elsewhere around the world.  Governor Perdue plans to ask citizens of Georgia to participate in a moment of silence on August 18 to honor the soldiers of the 48th Brigade and all Georgians serving in the United States Armed Forces in harm's way.  More details on the moment of silence and the prayer vigil will be announced at a later date.