Flags at half-staff for slain soldier

Gov. Chris Gregoire has directed that flags at all Washington state agency buildings be lowered to half-staff Tuesday in memory of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. John J. Cleaver of Marysville. Cleaver was killed in Afghanistan recently when a suicide bomber attacked his unit.

Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business Tuesday, or first thing Wednesday.

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, residents and businesses are encouraged to join in this recognition.