Christie Flying Flags at Half-Mast for Gandolfini

Monday, July 24th, flags across the state of New Jersey will fly at half-mast in honor of James Gandolfini. Chris Christie’s Executive Order No. 135 explains why.

WHEREAS, James Gandolfini was an iconic actor, who left a timeless impact upon television and film in the State of New Jersey and across our Nation; and

WHEREAS, James Gandolfini was born in Westwood, New Jersey, on September 18, 1961, and grew up in Park Ridge, New Jersey;

WHEREAS, James Gandolfini graduated from Park Ridge High School in 1979, where he played basketball and starred in school plays; and

WHEREAS, James Gandolfini graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University, and began to pursue what would become an extraordinarily successful acting career; and

WHEREAS, James Gandolfini’s most popularly acclaimed role was the part of Tony Soprano, the lead character in the television drama The Sopranos, which debuted in 1999 and continued through 2007…

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize the achievements and contributions, to honor the memory, and to mark the passing of James Gandolfini

Hell, make it a state holiday. The man mattered.