Fallen Marine Honored by Flags at Half-Mast

Lowered flags at Mercer Island's and municipal buildings today were in honor of a fallen Marine from Washington state, according to Governor Christine Gregoire's office.

Gregoire ordered the flags lowered to half-mast in honor of U. S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jason D. Peto, 31, of Vancouver, who died Dec. 7 from wounds he received in November while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. the flag lowering marks the 12th occasion the governor has ordered the flags lowered this year.

The Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business today or first thing Wednesday morning, December 15.

Gov. Gregoire can direct state and local authorities to lower the flag in the event a state employee or law enforcement officer or active military services member from Washington is killed in the line of duty, or on the occasion of the death of a principal state or federal official. The Governor can also order flags at half-mast in honor of holidays or commemorative days, such as Patriot Day (Sept. 11), Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15—unless that day is also Armed Forces Day), or Pearl Harbor Day (Dec. 7). 

For more information on U.S. and Washington flags, please visit the Secretary of State's webpage, or review the U.S. Flag Code.