Gov. Chris Gregoire has directed that flags at all Washington state agency buildings be lowered to half-staff today in memory of U. S. Army Cpl. Sean M. Collins, 25, of Yelm, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

Collins died earlier this week from wounds received when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device in Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business Tuesday, or first thing Wednesday morning, Dec. 22.

 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.