Update: McDonnell orders flags to fly at half-staff for Height

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) ordered all state flags to fly at half staff in honor of Richmond native Dorothy Height, 98, a founding matriarch of the American civil rights movement who died Tuesday.

"A Virginian, Ms. Height demonstrated the incredible good that can be accomplished by a passionate individual advocating a just cause,'' McDonnell said in a statement. "As president of the National Council of Negro Women, she was the leading female civil rights leader of her time. Presidents sought her counsel and Americans learned from her example and intellect. ... We have lost a great Virginian and American. Today I order all state flags to fly at half staff in honor of Dorothy Height, and I ask all Virginians to pause in remembrance of her life and her legacy. Our nation is a better place because of Dorothy Height."

Update: The commonwealth of Virginia will actually fly the flags at half staff tomorrow so they will be lowered for a full day.

Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Jimm Webb co-sponsored a resolution today to honor the life of Height.

"Today we honor Dorothy Height, a native Virginian who spent her life fighting for justice for all Americans," Webb said. "As a civil rights activist and confidante to many American leaders, she was unwavering in her commitment to equality and fairness. Her leadership will leave an indelible mark."