Governor Chris Gregoire has directed that flags at all Washington State agency facilities be lowered to half-staff Tuesday, May 13, in memory of U.S. Army Reserve Spc. Joseph M. Cerfus of Marysville who died during an active duty military training exercise in Canada on Monday.

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

Flags should remain at half-staff until sunset Tuesday or first thing Wednesday morning, May 14.

President Vicente Fox and Governor Chris Gregoire visit G & G Orchards, Naches Heights, WA, May 24, 2006.

President Vicente Fox Visits Washington

Vicente Fox, President of Mexico, visited Washington in May 2006, at the invitation of Governor Gregoire. She was very pleased that he agreed to her request to visit both eastern and western Washington. Governor Gregoire and President Fox visited G&G Orchards near Yakima and SeaMar Health Clinic in south Seattle. The two met privately to discuss trade, immigration and border security. President Fox made several public appearances. Governor Gregoire urged President Fox to remove Mexico's tariff on apple imports so that Washington growers can export more apples.