Gov. Chris Gregoire has directed that flags at all Washington state agency buildings be lowered to half-staff today to honor U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Matthew H. Stiltz of Spokane.

Stiltz was killed Nov. 12 when insurgents attacked his unit with artillery fire in Afghanistan.

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.