Governor Roy Cooper has ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to remain at half-staff through sunset on August 10, in honor of US Army Private First Class Brandon Jay Kreischer, who died while in combat in southern Afghanistan. Pfc. Kreischer was a member of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Services for Pfc. Kreischer will be held at the Bryan High School gymnasium in Bryan, Ohio on Saturday.

An update to this announcement will be issued upon the release of the internment date of US Army Specialist Michael Isaiah Nance, a Fort Bragg soldier who also died during combat last Monday.

As a sign of respect, individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are welcome to fly the flag at half-staff for the same duration of time.