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Gov. Gregoire orders flags flown at half-staff Tuesday, May 11
For Immediate Release: May 7, 2010
OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire has directed that flags at all Washington state agency buildings be lowered to half-staff Tuesday, May 11, in memory of U.S. Army Master Sergeant Mark W. Coleman of Yelm. Coleman died earlier this week in Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit.
Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business Tuesday, or first thing Wednesday morning, May 12.
Congress amended the U.S. Flag Code to give governors the authority to lower flags when a state resident in the military is killed in the line of duty. Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join in this recognition.