Washington State Ferries to Fly YMCA of Greater Seattle Flags Fleet-Wide for 150th Anniversary
Last updated: August 6, 2026, at 11:36 a.m. PT
Originally published: August 6, 2026, at 11:35 a.m. PT
Seattle, WA — August 7, 2026 — On Friday, August 7, riders across Puget Sound will look up to see a special sight: a commemorative flag honoring the YMCA of Greater Seattle’s 150th anniversary flying on every Washington State Ferries vessel in service. The flags will fly fleet-wide throughout the day.
The gesture marks a milestone 150 years in the making. Founded in 1876, the YMCA of Greater Seattle (the Y) was founded before Washington state existed, before the Great Seattle Fire, before the Klondike Gold Rush, and before Pike Place Market was established. The Y has grown alongside the region it serves for a century and a half. This year’s “150 Years for All” celebration honors that history and the generations of neighbors, campers, and community members who have made it possible.
For the Y, having Washington State Ferries (WSF) mark the occasion carries a meaning that goes well beyond a single day. WSF has long been a quiet but essential partner in the Y’s work, helping carry campers, counselors, and supplies to Camp Orkila on Orcas Island and connecting young people to experiences that shape their lives. Our partnership rarely makes headlines, but one the Y has counted on for generations.
“For 150 years, the YMCA of Greater Seattle has grown alongside this region, and partners like Washington State Ferries are a big part of how we have been able to show up for our community,”
said Loria Yeadon, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle.
“Season after season, WSF has helped us get campers, counselors, and supplies to Camp Orkila and back, connecting kids to experiences that stay with them for a lifetime. To see our flag flying on every vessel on our anniversary is deeply moving and a reminder that building stronger, more connected communities has always been something we do together.”
“WSF is critical for providing equitable transit and outdoor educational access to thousands of Washington youth, their families, and needed supplies transported to outdoor leadership and overnight camps throughout all of Puget Sound, said Steve Nevey, deputy secretary for Washington State Ferries”.
We are honored to fly their commemorative flag fleet-wide and celebrate with the YMCA of Greater Seattle for its many contributions to our community over the past 150 years.”
Riders and community members are invited to celebrate along with the Y. Anyone who spots the flags flying on August 7 is encouraged to share a photo on social media along with their Y story, and tag both the YMCA of Greater Seattle and Washington State Ferries.
Media Contacts
YMCA of Greater Seattle:
Sasha Baranov | Senior Manager, Communications & Media Relations
pr@seattleymca.org, sashabaranov@seattleymca.org
(206) 382-5005
Washington State Ferries:
Dana Warr | Deputy Director, External Relations
dana.warr@wsdot.wa.gov
(206) 719-6819
About the YMCA of Greater Seattle
The YMCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility serving King, Pierce, Lewis, San Juan, and south Snohomish counties to advance equity and justice for all through whole person health and transforming lives through collaboration, belonging, achievement, and community connection. The Y strives to create an inclusive environment where everyone—especially young people—can reach their full potential in spirit, mind, and body. In 2025, the YMCA of Greater Seattle served more than 214,000 people across the Puget Sound region at 13 local Ys, three overnight camp properties, 40 day camp partnership sites, 59 Before- and After- School partnership sites, seven Early Education Center locations, and 11 young adult shelter and housing facilities. The YMCA of Greater Seattle awarded over $8M in financial assistance to ensure membership and vital programs and services are accessible to all. Learn more at seattleymca.org/fa.
About the Washington State Ferries
Washington State Ferries, 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. Follow WSF on X/Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram for news and behind-the-scenes stories.