State ferries to honor veterans with whistle tribute, flying of US military service flags

POW/MIA flag to also fly on all operating vessels Nov. 11

SEATTLE - On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, all operating Washington State Ferries vessels will sound their whistles at 11:11 a.m. in tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the people who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

All vessels in operation on Veterans Day will fly either the Merchant Marine flag or the flag of one of the six military branches - Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard. The POW/MIA flag will also be flown, which honors those who were held as prisoners of war or were declared missing in action during their service.

WSF employs many veterans on the vessels, and at its terminals, warehouse, Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility and headquarters.

"Veterans are deeply anchored in the heart of our ferry system," said WSF Assistant Secretary Steve Nevey. "Their expertise and discipline play a big role in the safety, reliability and quality of our service."

WSF, a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation, is the largest ferry system in the U.S. and safely and efficiently carries tens of millions of people a year through some of the most majestic scenery in the world. For the latest service updates, sign up for rider alerts and track each ferry using the real-time map online.