Mass. lowers flags to half-staff in honor of fallen soldier Robert Arnold

Local News

After passing away at just 27 years old, the Roslindale native is being remembered for his service in the Army and Marine Corps.

Following his death earlier this month, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert R. Arnold, a 27-year-old Roslindale resident, was honored Sunday as the United States and Massachusetts flags were lowered to half-staff across the commonwealth. 

Arnold died Feb. 1 at just 27 years old, after serving in the U.S. Army and previously in the U.S. Marine Corps, according to his obituary published by Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home.

A 2016 graduate of Boston Latin School, Arnold spoke German, Russian, French, and Latin, his obituary says. 

His parents plan to hold a celebration of life once Arnold’s remains are returned from Alaska, according to his obituary. Arnold is survived by family members throughout Greater Boston, including cousins in Brighton, Foxborough, and Taunton and his parents in Roslindale.

State Rep. Steve Xiarhos marked the flag-lowering with a message on Facebook reflecting on Arnold’s sacrifice and service. 

“When the flags are lowered, it is not just protocol. It is a visible sign of a grateful Commonwealth pausing to honor a life of service,” the post reads. “Behind every uniform is a mother, a father, brothers, sisters, and friends.” 

Xiarhos, who is a Gold Star father — having lost a child in active-duty military service — added that Arnold’s death felt personal. 

“This one hits home,” he said. 

Describing Arnold as a “young man who chose a life of service,” Xiarhos said the staff sergeant dedicated himself to “something greater than himself.” 

“On behalf of my office, all of my colleagues on Beacon Hill, and from my Gold Star family to his, we extend our deepest condolences to the Arnold family,” he said. “We stand with you. We pray for you. And we honor Staff Sergeant Arnold’s life and service.”