In A First, Indian Tricolour Hoisted On Seattle's Iconic Space Needle To Mark Independence Day
In a landmark and historic first in Seattle, the flag of India was raised on top of the Space Needle in honour of India's 79th Independence Day celebrations. Built in 1962 for the World Fair, the Space Needle stands as a symbol of Seattle's skyline and epitomises the tech-driven future of the US Pacific Northwest region.
The Consul General of India in Seattle, along with Mayor Bruce Harrell, and other select dignitaries from Seattle city leadership, joined in the historic occasion and acknowledged the contributions of the Indian-American diaspora in shaping Seattle's journey as a tech hub in the US Pacific Northwest.
A community reception was separately hosted by the Consulate at the scenic Kerry Park, which offered sweeping views of the Seattle skyline, with India's flag on top of Space Needle in the backdrop, where large numbers of Indian-American community members turned up to witness the historic sight.
Several US dignitaries graced the Kerry Park reception, including US Congressman (WA-9th district) Adam Smith, Chief Justice of the Washington Supreme Court Debra L Stephens, Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho and Superintendent/Director of Seattle Parks & Recreation AP Diaz. Addressing the gathering, Smith welcomed the historic celebration, noting that the Indian tricolour hoisted atop the Space Needle is a tribute to the region's diversity and the strong bonds between India and the Pacific Northwest.
A vibrant cultural segment featuring national anthems, along with a cultural dance performance showcasing the rich diversity of Indian art forms, and a poetic recital by renowned artist and actor Piyush Mishra followed.
In a special gesture to honour India's 79th Independence Day in the Greater Seattle area, King County (that covers 39 cities) along with Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma and Bellevue issued official proclamations marking August 15 as India Day.
Separately, several iconic buildings in Seattle were also lit up in the Indian tricolour. These included the Lumen Stadium, T-Mobile Stadium, Westin, Seattle Great Wheel and Space Needle. The Indian Flag was also hoisted at the prestigious Tacoma Dome, Tacoma City Hall and at the Headquarters of Tacoma Police and Fire Departments.
India opened its 6th Consulate in Seattle (Washington) in November 2023 and has since actively deepened its engagements with the US Pacific Northwest.
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