Why are flags at half-staff today?

Flags are flying at half-staff in Washington in honor of former Gov. Mike Lowry.

Gov. Jay Inslee directed that Washington State and United States flags be lowered to half-staff today for Lowry who died May 1.

Lowry, 78, died following a stroke.

Memorial services for Lowry will be held at 10:30 a.m. at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Renton.

Flags will remain at half-staff through Tuesday. The directive covers all state agencies and facilities but businesses and citizens are encouraged to lower their flags as well.

This story was originally published May 25, 2017 at 4:53 PM with the headline "Why are flags at half-staff today?."