In a show of respect and remembrance, the Washington State Ferries will honor veterans with a coordinated tribute on Veterans Day. As reported by the Washington State Department of Transportation, at exactly 11:11 a.m., vessels underway will engage in a ceremonial whistle salute, punctuating the silence with a sound that acknowledges the sacrifices made by those in the armed forces.
This Veterans Day fleet-wide acknowledgement not only salutes those who have served, but it also extends special honors to the veterans among WSF's own staff, and these individuals, who continue to serve on ferries, and at various facilities can take pride in a workplace that publicly recognizes their past commitments. WSF Deputy Secretary Steve Nevey remarked, “Our Veterans Day tribute is a simple but meaningful way to show our appreciation to those who have served our country, including the many veterans in our workforce,” highlighting the added personal connection for the WSF community, as stated by the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Each ferry on duty that day will be seen flying the flag of one of the military branches — whether it be Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, Space Force, or the Merchant Marine. In an additional gesture of remembrance, the POW/MIA flag will be flown, honoring those who were prisoners of war or were declared missing in action, as noted by the Washington State Department of Transportation.
The WSF system, known for its title as the largest in the U.S., plays a vital role in transportation against the backdrop of Washington's stunning scenery. The addition of these flags and, the whistle salute aims to bridge the everyday commute with a collective moment of acknowledgment for the national service performed by generations of Americans — both in times of conflict and peace. For up-to-date information on ferry services and to track vessels in real-time, travelers can visit Washington State Department of Transportation's website and sign up for rider alerts.
