Sat Aug 16 09:44:54 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a rewrite as a news article:
**Summary:**
On August 16, 2025, the Indian flag was hoisted atop Seattle’s Space Needle for the first time, marking India’s 79th Independence Day. The event was attended by dignitaries from both India and Seattle, including the Indian Consul General and the Mayor of Seattle. The celebration highlighted the contributions of the Indian-American community to Seattle’s tech industry. Other iconic buildings in Seattle were illuminated in the Indian tricolors. Numerous cities in King County also officially declared August 15 as India Day. Further celebrations included cultural performances and flag-raising ceremonies at other prominent locations in the Seattle area, like the Tacoma Dome.
**News Article:**
**Indian Flag Flies High Atop Seattle Space Needle in Historic Independence Day Celebration**
**Seattle, WA – August 16, 2025** – In a landmark moment celebrating India’s 79th Independence Day, the Indian tricolor was hoisted atop Seattle’s iconic Space Needle on Friday. This marks the first time a foreign nation’s flag has been raised at the popular Seattle landmark.
Consul General of India in Seattle Prakash Gupta, alongside Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, and other dignitaries, attended the historic event. “No greater honor than this!” Mr. Gupta said in a statement, accompanied by a video showcasing the flag soaring above the city.
The Consulate General of India in Seattle emphasized that the commemoration highlights the significant contributions of the Indian-American diaspora to the city’s vibrant tech sector in the Pacific Northwest. A community reception, hosted by the Consulate at Kerry Park, followed the flag-raising ceremony.
A large gathering of Indian-American community members witnessed the event, alongside U.S. Congressman Adam Smith, Chief Justice of the Washington Supreme Court Debra Stephens, and other prominent figures. Mr. Smith lauded the event as a tribute to the region’s diversity and the strong bonds between India and the Pacific Northwest.
In a special gesture, King County, encompassing 39 cities including Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma and Bellevue, issued official proclamations marking August 15 as “India Day.” Several iconic Seattle buildings, including Lumen Stadium, T-Mobile Stadium, and the Westin Hotel, were illuminated in the Indian tricolors. The Indian flag was also raised at the Tacoma Dome, Tacoma City Hall, and the headquarters of Tacoma’s Police and Fire Departments.
The celebrations included a vibrant cultural program with national anthems, dance performances showcasing Indian art forms, and a poetic recital by renowned artist Piyush Mishra. The event underscored the growing relationship between India and the United States and recognized the vital role of the Indian-American community in the region.
First Piper 