Washington Ferries to Salute Veterans Day With Whistles

All underway Washington State Ferries vessels will sound whistles at 11:11 a.m. on November 11 to recognize service and sacrifice.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Military Jobs

Washington State Ferries will sound whistles across its underway fleet at 11:11 a.m. on November 11 to honor veterans, including more than 110 who work in its system. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

On November 11, 2026, Washington State Ferries will recognize Veterans Day with a whistle salute at 11:11 a.m. Vessels in service will fly flags representing one of six military branches and the Merchant Marine, and all vessels will fly the POW/MIA flag.

Why it matters

The observance honors the more than 110 veterans who work at Washington State Ferries in marine and administrative roles across vessels, terminals, the warehouse, the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility and headquarters. It recognizes their service within the state's ferry system.

More than 110 veterans work at Washington State Ferries across marine and administrative roles, and vessels in service will fly flags for six military branches plus the Merchant Marine. The source does not state how many vessels will be underway for the 11:11 a.m. salute.

The players

Washington State Ferries

Washington State Ferries is the state-operated ferry system that carries passengers and vehicles across Puget Sound and connecting waterways.

The details

All Washington State Ferries vessels underway will sound their whistles at 11:11 a.m. on November 11, and vessels in service will fly a flag representing one of six military branches along with the Merchant Marine flag. All vessels will also fly the POW/MIA flag.

November 11, 2026, 11:11 a.m.: All underway Washington State Ferries vessels sound whistles to salute Veterans Day.

Roadmap

Veterans Day is an annual federal holiday, and Washington State Ferries' observance applies that tradition to a state transportation workforce in which more than 110 employees are veterans. The gesture links a public operator's daily service to the military service of its own staff.

Riders on Washington State Ferries on November 11, 2026, may hear whistles sound at 11:11 a.m. and see military and POW/MIA flags on vessels in service. The observance is a scheduled, one-time moment and does not change ferry routes or fares.

The takeaway

Veterans make up a meaningful share of the people who keep Washington's ferries running, and the Veterans Day salute recognizes that daily contribution. Readers can notice the whistles and flags as a visible sign of that workforce.