(Courtesy of Washington State Archives)

November 11th holds an extra-special place in the hearts of Washingtonians every year.  We have a double reason to celebrate: to honor the contributions of our nation’s veterans and to recognize the day Washington achieved statehood.  So when we’re all celebrating, we can wave both the American and Washington flags in thanks for our vets and in commemoration of Washington’s 122 birthday.

Above is the telegraph that Gov. Ferry received that said President Benjamin Harrison signed the proclamation declaring Washington to be a state.  This 1933 photograph below features Governor Clarence D. Martin giving an apple (grown in Washington, we hope!) to a group of veterans from the 40 et 8.

(Photo courtesy of the Washington State Archives)