State, U.S. flags to be lowered Aug. 3

Gov. Chris Gregoire has directed that flags at all Washington state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff Tuesday, Aug. 3, in memory of U. S. Army First Lieutenant Robert N. Bennedsen, 25, of Vashon Island, who died July 18 in Afghanistan, of injuries he sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy.

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

Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition.