‘A historic first’: Tricolour hoisted at Seattle’s iconic 605-feet-tall Space Needle; watch
In a historic moment, the tricolour was raised at Seattle’s Space Needle on Independence Day, marking the first time the landmark displayed India’s national flag. The 605-foot tower is among the city’s most recognisable structures and epitomises the tech-driven future of the US Pacific Northwest region. Sharing the moment online, the Indian consulate in Seattle posted, “A historic first in Seattle! India’s tricolour soars the Seattle skyline. Happy 79th Independence Day of India.” Consul General of India in Seattle, Prakash Gupta, along with Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and other city leaders, took part in the historic event. They acknowledged the role of the Indian American diaspora in shaping Seattle’s growth as a tech hub in the US Pacific Northwest.The consulate also hosted a community reception at Seattle’s Kerry Park, which overlooks the city’s skyline. With the tricolour flying atop the Space Needle in the backdrop, a large number of Indian American community members gathered to witness the historic moment.
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US dignitaries attending the Kerry Park reception included congressman Adam Smith, Washington supreme court chief justice Debra L. Stephens, Seattle port commissioner Sam Cho, and Seattle Parks & Recreation director AP Diaz. Speaking at the event, congressman Smith said the hoisting of the Indian tricolour atop the Space Needle was a tribute to the region’s diversity and a reflection of the strong ties between India and the Pacific Northwest.In a special gesture for India’s 79th Independence Day, King County, which includes 39 cities, along with Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue, issued official proclamations declaring August 15 as India Day.In addition to the Space Needle, several iconic buildings in Seattle were illuminated in the colours of tricolour, including Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, the Westin, and the Seattle Great Wheel. The Indian flag was also raised at the Tacoma Dome, Tacoma City Hall, and the headquarters of the Tacoma Police and Fire Departments. India had opened its sixth consulate in Seattle in November 2023 and has since strengthened its engagement with the US Pacific Northwest.
