Marine Sergeant Joseph J. Murray of Jacksonville, Florida, tragically lost his
life July 10 along with fourteen Marines and one Navy Corpsman when a United States Marine Corps
transport plane crashed in Leflore County, Mississippi.
As a mark of respect for Sergeant Joseph J. Murray, I hereby direct the flags of the United States
and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at the City Hall in Jacksonville, Florida, the
County Courthouse in Duval County, Florida, and at the State Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida,
from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, stated Florida Governor Rick Scott on Monday.
“Ann and I join Americans across the nation in praying for the families and
loved ones of the sixteen U.S. service members who lost their lives in this week’s tragic plane
crash, including Marine Sgt. Joe Murray from Jacksonville. Sgt. Murray was well known as a
beloved husband, father, son, and man of faith and service. We are heartbroken by this loss. Sgt.
Murray and his fellow fallen service members will now be honored and remembered across our
country as heroes. We pray that this legacy of heroism will bring Sgt. Murray’s family some
comfort during this unimaginably difficult time. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers
our service members face each day as they selflessly protect our families and our freedom.
The State of Florida is proud to be the home of brave heroes of like Sgt. Murray,” Scott said.
