Gov. Gregoire orders flags flown at half-staff Friday, June 22nd

For Immediate Release: June 14, 2012

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire has directed that flags at all Washington state agency buildings be lowered to half-staff Friday, June 22, in memory of U.S. Army First Lieutenant Mathew G. Fazzari, 25, of Walla Walla. Fazzari was killed June 6 in Afghanistan when his helicopter crashed after receiving enemy fire.

The flag lowering coincides with Fazzari�s memorial service, and flags should remain at half-staff until close of business Friday.

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.