Gov. John Baldacci today ordered the U.S. and the state flags flown at half-staff from now until sundown on Tuesday, November 10, in memory of the victims of yesterday's shootings at Fort Hood, Texas.

The order follows an announcement by President Obama that U.S. flags will be flown at half-staff during that same time period.

"Maine joins the entire nation in mourning the loss of life at Fort Hood," Baldacci says in a statement. "This is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to the families of all those who were killed or wounded."

Baldacci says flags will also be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, November 11, in honor of U.S. Marine Major Samuel Leigh. Leigh was killed earlier this month when the helicopter he was in collided with a Coast Guard airplane over the Pacific Ocean. Services for Leigh, who was from Belgrade, are scheduled for November 11.

Baldacci said he spoke with Leigh's father and expressed the state's sympathies. "Maine will honor Major Leigh's service and do whatever we can to comfort the family," he says.