Gov. Gregoire orders flags flown at half-staff Tuesday, May 3rd

For Immediate Release: May 2, 2011

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire has directed that flags at all Washington state agency buildings be lowered to half-staff Tuesday, May 3rd, in memory of U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Joe Jackson of White Swan. Jackson died April 24 of injuries sustained in Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated.

Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business Tuesday, or first thing Wednesday morning, May 4th.

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.