Gig Harbor mayor Jill Guernsey read a proclamation to honor the 201st Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade, the family members and all military by declaring Aug. 4 Military Appreciation Day. It was a great way to kick off the 4th annual Military Appreciation Day held Friday, Aug. 4 at Sehmel Homestead Park in Gig Harbor.

The event was hosted by the Gig Harbor Subchapter of the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). "The event is open to all services and is free of charge. The whole idea is to make those community connections. There are a large number of military members living in Gig Harbor as well as lots of retirees. The day would not have been possible without the support of PenMet Parks, who has sponsored us for the past four years, the City of Gig Harbor, the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce and our many other sponsors," said John Guardia, AUSA president, Gig Harbor Subchapter.

The occasion also served as the 201st Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade organization day. In what has become an annual event, teams from the brigade and the local fire and police department battled it out for bragging rights in a softball tournament.  Family members and children enjoyed the live music, activities, games and a giant waterslide.

Shannon Minor and her children enjoyed the event. "The children made crafts, played games and had fun," she said. The weather was perfect for the event, which lasted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.