HOUSTON -- Many Houstonians have dealt with the shooting at Fort Hood by showing their patriotism as flags around the country were ordered to go to half-staff, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Students at Westside High School were supposed to be celebrating a big football game on Friday, but they paused to pay tribute to those killed and wounded at the Army post on Thursday.

"Even though it's a big game tonight, we're still focused on what had happened," student Conner Roberts said. "We're still taking into consideration the families that have been hurt. We're giving all our thoughts and prayers out to the families and friends."

Gov. Rick Perry has ordered all Texas flags lowered to half-staff until Sunday over the Fort Hood massacre.

"It is a small token in light of the sacrifices that are being made on our behalves," Houstonian Dana Ezer said.

Perry's order applies to all U.S. and Texas flags under the control of the state.

President Barack Obama on Friday said the "whole nation is grieving right now" over the mass killings. He ordered U.S. flags at the White House and other federal agencies to be flown at half-staff until Veterans Day, Nov. 11, as a tribute to those who lost their lives.