In honor of Flag Day on June 14, Bob Kellogg suggested to city officials the installation of a 60-foot flagpole to honor Federal Way veterans.
On Tuesday, Nov. 11, the city of Federal Way will raise its newest flag, located on South 320th Street in honor of Veterans Day. The city will welcome U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, a tireless champion of veterans’ issues, as a featured speaker.
Kellogg and the Federal Way Kiwanis Club have advocated flag installations throughout the city, including Celebration Park, the King County Aquatic Center and little league fields. The idea of a pole on 320th Street was in Kellogg’s mind for many years before coming to fruition, he said.
Kellogg and his wife Marilyn, married 48 years, have lived in Federal Way since 1983.
Placing the flag in a prominent location will help create an image of Federal Way — one of honor, respect and recognition for veterans and military members, especially those who volunteer for service.
“It’s marvelous our city is going to recognize them every day,” Kellogg said.
The downtown stretch of South 320th Street will also be given the honorary name of Veterans Way.
Kellogg expected challenges to arise when he proposed the idea, but he said the venture has progressed smoothly. City officials supported the idea, and the community backed it as well. The ease shocked Kellogg.
“[But] I’m really proud of that flag,” he added.
The large, prominent flag is telling of the city’s support and respect for veterans, Kellogg said.
A ceremony to celebrate the completed project will begin at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, with the Todd Beamer High School band playing music in the Sears parking lot at The Commons mall, 1928 S. 320th St.
At 11 a.m., Mayor Jim Ferrell will give a welcome address and introduce guest speakers, including veterans and politicians King County Councilman Pete von Reichbauer and Federal Way City Councilman Bob Celski. Rich Garmong of King County Veteran’s Program and Tom Leonard of Veterans of Foreign Wars will also speak.
At approximately 11:40, South 320th Street will be closed, while Murray, the mayor, von Reichbauer and Kellogg cross and raise the flag.
“Our intent is to provide a lasting statement of our community’s gratitude to veterans,” said Ferrell. “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 ceremony will conclude around noon.
The flag to be raised is a 15 by 25 foot flag, currently at half-staff to honor Rep. Roger Freeman, who died of cancer last week, said City Parks Director John Hutton.
The flag will be visible from the city limits at Weyerhaeuser Way to 11th Avenue.
“[It] really makes a statement,” Hutton said.
Thirty light poles from Interstate 5 to the flagpole will sport permanent flags as well.
“It’s going to be a very striking statement from the city on how we feel about our veterans,” Hutton said.
For Kellogg, the statement doesn’t end there. He has been a leader within the Kiwanis Club regarding flag projects, and he hopes to work with the city to create some kind of veteran’s memorial piece at Town Square Park.
Though Kellogg can’t say what the memorial would look, some of the ideas the city has could lend themselves nicely.
“I definitely want a flagpole with a flag on it.”
