ANAHEIM, CA - (May 7, 2012) - Flags at City of Anaheim facilities have been lowered to half-staff in honor of Army Private First Class paratrooper Christian Sannicolas. Sannicolas, an Anaheim resident, was killed in Afghanistan on April 28 while serving his country.

"My wife Julie and I offer our deepest sympathies to the family of Army Private First Class Christian Sannicolas," said Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait. "We can only imagine how devastated the family is, but we are here to remind them their son is an American hero who gave his life protecting our freedoms. Our hearts and prayers are with his family."

Sannicolas’ body returned home yesterday, and was met at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base and Army Airfield by his family, friends, veterans, and military supporters. Mayor Tait and Councilmember Kris Murray met the family at a local mortuary to express condolences on behalf of the City.

Funeral services are pending.

Media Contact: Ruth Ruiz 714.765.5060more city news

###

ABOUT ANAHEIM – The City of Anaheim, founded in 1857, is one of the nation's premier municipalities and is one of California's most populous cities. Anaheim covers 50 square miles with more than 343,000 residents and more than 2,950 City employees. The municipal corporation's annual budget is $1.5 billion. Anaheim supports a thriving business community with companies such as Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., L-3 Communications, Pacific Sunwear, and Disneyland Resort. Successful sports franchises call Anaheim home, including Angels Baseball, Anaheim Ducks, the U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team, the 2012 Olympic Games Silver Medal winning U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team, and the Professional Arena Soccer League Anaheim Bolts. Anaheim also boasts world-class meeting and entertainment venues with the Anaheim Convention Center, LEED-certified and the largest on the west coast, Honda Center, City National Grove of Anaheim, Anaheim GardenWalk, and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. In addition, Anaheim embraces its vibrant cultural arts community, including the world-renowned Anaheim Ballet. Annually, Anaheim welcomes millions of visitors to the city, truly making it where the world comes to live, work and play. For more information, please visit www.anaheim.net.

CONNECT WITH THE CITY OF ANAHEIM

	Join the Anaheim community on Facebook
	Submit service requests via Twitter - text "d Anaheim311" to 40404
	Anaheim events and video news articles - updated weekly on Anaheim's YouTube channel
	Download the FREE My Anaheim app for Apple iPhone and iPod Touch
	Download the FREE My Anaheim app for Android devices
	Anaheim Anytime is available 24/7.  For questions regarding the City of Anaheim, simply dial 311 from any Anaheim-based landline phone or from (714) 765-4311 from a cell phone or any phone outside the city limits. Anaheim Anytime representatives are available from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Recorded information and a voice mail box is also available 24/7.