Riley directs flags to half-staff in honor of Fort Hood victims

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Gov.r Bob Riley directed flags to be flown at half-staff starting today until sunset on Tuesday, Nov. 10 on state government buildings as a tribute to those who lost their lives at Fort Hood, Texas on Thursday. The Governor is also encouraging local governments and schools to fly their flags at half-staff on their buildings.

“This shocking tragedy has brought our nation together in grief.  We pray for the victims, for their families and for the safety of all those who serve our nation in uniform,” Riley said.

Alabama Army National Guard Maj. Randy Royer was one of the soldiers wounded during Thursday’s mass shooting at Fort Hood. He is one of about 270 soldiers with the 135th Expeditionary Sustainment Command from Birmingham who arrived at Fort Hood this week for training before deploying to Afghanistan. Riley spoke with Major Royer’s wife on the telephone Friday.