Lowtide
Boating Council proposed providing a
60-foot flagpole and large-size United
States Flag, along with a years worth of
maintenance and the necessary lighting,
to a State Park that had no budget for
a flagpole. Park staff chose the site,
coordinated planning and permits and
installed the ground sleeve provided
by NBC. Then on the morning of June
25, 2009, the flagpole was lifted in place
by helicopter as part of a Coast Guard
training exercise. The memorial plaque
reads, “Dedicated to the brave members
of the United States Armed Services,
who daily go in harm’s way to protect
Northwestern Boating Council & Washington State Parks
our freedoms and liberties.”
Commemorate Memorial Flagpole on Blake Island
Blake Island State Park is a 475
acre marine camping park in Puget
The Northwestern Boating Council NBC was instrumental in the acquisition Sound. The park is reachable only by
(NBC) and Washington State Parks of the land which is now Sucia Island boat. It has five miles of saltwater beach
gathered on July 22 at Blake Island State Park. NBC built and installed the shoreline and offers magnificent views
State Park to dedicate a 60 foot flagpole children’s Gym Set, known as the Big of the Olympic Mountains and the
honoring our military service men and Toy, on the east side of the Blake Island Seattle skyline. Native American-style
women. The ceremony was attended meadow. April 1981, during a wildcat salmon dinners and demonstrations of
by The First Gentleman Mike Gregoire, ferryboat strike, boaters associated with Northwest native dancing are offered
along with representatives of the 22 NBC NBC transported workers to and from at Tillicum Village, a concession on the
boat clubs, the Parks Department and Vashon Island and thus provided the island.
U.S. Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and impetus necessary to rebuild Dockton Guest Speaker, Mike Gregoire
Coast Guard dignitaries. Park on Murray Island. Annually, NBC delivered the following message from
The Northwestern Boating Council ferries on the average of 50 boy scouts Governor Christine Gregoire, “…Today,
was founded in 1959 with the intent of to Blake Island, to clean up the trails we dedicate this flagpole and pay tribute
fostering greater camaraderie between and beaches, prior to the opening of the to our brave military personnel. Both in
individual boat clubs. Today it is an boating season. At each of these locations times of war and peace, our men, and
organization of 22 individual boat you will find the NBC signature in the women in uniform have served with
clubs united under one banner, and form of a brass plaque attesting to our courage, commitment, and devotion. I
has become one that has had a very positive presence. applaud NBC’s commitment to honoring
positive influence on civic improvements The flagpole project at Blake Island our service members both past and
throughout the boating community. began in, 2006, when the Northwestern present. Your efforts are a true testament
to your generosity and patriotism.”
NBC Past President and Chairman,
NBC Flagpole committee, Mr. Charles
Martin, stated, “As NBC President, I set
before the Member Clubs what I believed
to be an achievable goal of placing, on
Blake Island, a high quality flagpole
dedicated to the men and women who
serve our country. Today, our task
honoring our service personnel has been
validated by all those present”.
“We’re very happy to have this
project completed for the park,” said
Blake Island State Park Manager David
Roe. “The Council has partnered with
State Parks for many years, with a variety
of projects. The flagpole and garden serve
as a meaningful memorial that is highly
Top: Helicopter prepares to lift flagpole into position. Above: Charles Martin (left),
visible to the public.”
Mike Gregoire (center), Rear Admiral James Symonds (right).
48° No r t h , Se p t e m b e r 2009 pa g e 32
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