September 16 is proclaimed as American Legion Day in Lake Stevens, WA, by the mayor and city council at a regularly convened meeting on August 23. Several members of American Legion Post 181 and others witnessed the reading of the proclamation by Mayor Vern Little and his presentation to Post Commander Tom Thorleifson.

This "American Legion Day" proclamation is provided by The American Legion to all posts, and Post 181 made the proper arrangements to have it on the city council agenda in time for a follow-up news story in the local paper. It was adjusted slightly to include department facts within the state and local post involvement within the community.

Two of the city council members, Marcus Tageant (USMC, Desert Storm) and Kathy Holder (Army, Desert Storm), are veterans and members of Post 181. Other Post 181 members in attendance were Jack Sahlbom (USMC, WWII and Korea), Pete Reeder (Army, Vietnam), Howard Espeseth (Army, Korea), First Vice Commander Tony Morea (Army, Grenada and Kosovo), Adjutant Vern Rasmussen (Army, Vietnam), and Auxiliary President Karen Morea.

Members were introduced by Commander Tom after the presentation, and he spoke briefly to the council members about recent service officer assistance to veterans in the community. At the conclusion, the council voiced their appreciation and support of Post 181 and Auxiliary Unit 181 in the community.