Gov. Chris Gregoire directed that flags at all Washington state agency buildings be lowered to half-staff today, in memory of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Matthew H. Stiltz of Spokane. Stiltz was killed Nov. 12 when insurgents attacked his unit with artillery fire in Afghanistan.

He is the nephew of Jack Stiltz, owner of Bay Printing in Oak Harbor.

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

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 this recognition.