AUGUSTA — U.S. and State of Maine flags are flying at half-staff until sunset in honor of the four Americans who lost their lives after an attack on the U.S. diplomatic post in Benghazi, Libya.

The presidential flag proclamation runs through sunset Sunday.

Among those killed were U.S. Ambassador to Libya John Christopher Stevens and Foreign Services Information Officer Sean Smith.

Gov. Paul LePage says the loss of the four Americans is a tragedy, and he encourages Mainers to keep them in their thoughts and prayers.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.