One of the city’s busiest roadways got a new look and name to honor veterans of the armed services today.

As part of a Veterans Day commemoration, city and county officials dedicated a 60-foot flagpole, 30 street flags and the honorary designation of Veterans Way for the downtown stretch of South 320th Street.

“Our intent is to provide a lasting statement of our community’s gratitude to veterans,” said Mayor Jim Ferrell in a news release. “Now, when residents and visitors drive into Federal Way they will be greeted by a thoroughfare proudly lined with American flags and a 60-foot flagpole rising above the buildings.”

The city welcomed U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, a champion of veterans’ issues, as a featured speaker. Murray joined Mayor Ferrell, King County Councilman Pete von Reichbauer and Federal Way resident Bob Kellogg in raising the city’s new downtown flag.

The Raise the Flag event took place at the Sears parking lot at The Commons Mall and stopped traffic at 11:40 a.m. on South 320th Street to allow for the flag to be placed on the flagpole and raised.

Photos by Mirror reporter Raechel Dawson