Washington State

Flags around the state flew at half-staff today. Here’s what we know about why

The American flag flies at half staff atop the Tacoma School Distritct Superintendent building in Tacoma, Washington, on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Governor Jay Inslee ordered flags displayed at half staff following death of former WA state Rep. Georgette Valle.
The American flag flies at half staff atop the Tacoma School Distritct Superintendent building in Tacoma, Washington, on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Governor Jay Inslee ordered flags displayed at half staff following death of former WA state Rep. Georgette Valle. toverman@theolympian.com

U.S. and state flags in Washington flew at half-staff Tuesday for former state Rep. Georgette Valle, who died July 10 at age 99.

Gov. Jay Inslee issued the directive for the longtime King County politician who once said, “I have always felt that as a woman, I have had to be twice as good and work twice as hard,” according to an online biography on women in the Legislature.

Valle, a Democrat, represented the 31st and 34th districts in King County from roughly 1965 to 1997.

A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, at Normandy Park United Church of Christ.

This story was originally published July 30, 2024 at 1:27 PM with the headline "Flags around the state flew at half-staff today. Here’s what we know about why."

Craig Sailor
The News Tribune
Craig Sailor has worked for The News Tribune since 1998 as a writer, editor and photographer. He previously worked at The Olympian and at other newspapers in Nevada and California. He has a degree in journalism from San Jose State University.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER