Seattle Skyline from Elliott Bay Presentation of Portrait June 1999
Washington did not actually adopt an official design for its state flag until 1923, more than 30 years after the state was admitted to the union. At the turn of the century, many cities and towns flew a military flag bearing a gold profile of George Washington on blue bunting. Another design, similar to the one used today, featured a gold state seal centered on a purple or green background. A ceremonial banner of this type is displayed in the State Reception Room of the Legislative Building in Olympia.
When the Legislature approved a law setting forth the design of the official state flag, it stipulated that the flag "shall be of dark green silk or bunting, bearing in its center a reproduction of the seal of the state of Washington..." The original law allowed the option of using green fringe on the flag; two years later, the Legislature changed the fringe color to gold. Spanish American War Ceremony, Olympia, Washington 1997. Compatriots Glenn Oliver (guard), Don Dazey (American flag bearer), Ken Leavens (SAR flag bearer) and Fred Ramsey (guard).
A portrait of George Washington, painted by Rembrandt Peale was unveiled at the Washington State Governor's Mansion in June 1999. The painting was secured for the Mansion by the Governor's Mansion Foundation. Two members of WASSAR were present for the reception. Left to right: Governor Gary Locke, Mrs. Dolores Ramsey, Compatriot Alexander Ramsey, Compatriot Fred Ramsey and the First Lady.
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