State ferries to pay tribute to veterans with flags, whistle salute on Veterans Day

SEATTLE - At 11:11 a.m. on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, all Washington State Ferries that are underway will sound their whistles. This special moment is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the people who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Each vessel in operation that day will also fly the flag of one of the six military branches - Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy or Space Force - or the Merchant Marine flag. They will also fly the POW/MIA flag to honor those who were prisoners of war or declared missing in action during their service.

Many veterans work for WSF, serving on the boats and at terminals, the warehouse, Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility and headquarters.

"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," said WSF Deputy Secretary Steve Nevey. "Their dedication, skill and sense of duty strengthen our team and the communities we serve every day."

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.