The governor has ordered that flags at all state buildings be lowered today in honor of a Federal Way soldier killed last week in Afghanistan.

The flags will remain at half-staff until the close of business today or first thing Thursday, Gov. Chris Gregoire’s office reported today.

U.S. Army Specialist Dennis M. Williams of Federal Way was one of four Fort Lewis-based soldiers killed Aug. 25. Their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device.

Williams, a 24-year-old husband and father, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division at Fort Lewis.

Flags at all state buildings will be lowered today in honor of a Spanaway soldier who was killed in Afghanistan last week.

U.S. Army First Sgt. Jose S. Crisostomo was killed Aug. 18 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle in Kabul.

Gov. Chris Gregoire directed all flags fly at half-staff until the close of business today or first thing Friday morning.

The flags at government buildings are being lowered to half-staff today in honor of U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, who died late Tuesday after battling brain cancer.

Here’s an excerpt from a proclamation issued today by President Obama:

As a mark of respect for the memory of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, I hereby order … that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its

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