The word out of Gov. Jay Inslee's office ...

Governor Inslee is deeply saddened by the death of Army Pfc. James Groth, 22, of Ethal, and directs that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff in his memory on Sunday, March 16, 2014.  Pfc. Groth died on February 21 during a training accident at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

The Governor's Office has no objection to agencies lowering the flags at the close of business on Friday, March 14, 2014.  Flags should remain at half-staff until the end of the day on March 16 or first thing Monday morning, March 17, 2014.

Please notify your staff and all of your field offices and facilities around the state.

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

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 16 at 11:00 am at the Toledo High School.

Please call (360) 239-1317 if you have any questions about this flag lowering.