Cathay Post 186 - Seattle, WA

06/02/2026

In our Cathay Post 186 June 2026 newsletter, we reflect on the recent Memorial Day ceremonies held at Hing Hay Park and with the NVC at Lake View Cemetery, honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans in our community. We also want to remind members that our regular June meeting has been cancelled.

Please take a few moments to read through this month's updates and highlights. Thank you for your continued support, participation, and interest in our organization.

Veterans Strengthening America

Greetings Cathay Post #186 Family and Friends, Due to the many activities associated with the FIFA World Cup and the involvement of numerous Post members, we have regretfully decided to cancel our June 12 meeting. Our next meeting will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026.   For the past year, I have b...

06/02/2026

Mike Flood, your lifetime of service to our nation, and now your continued service to the community through the Seahawks is an inspiration to us all. We are honored to be associated with you and grateful for your leadership, dedication, and example.

With respect and appreciation,

Cathay Post #186

“The opportunity to do something for somebody every day — that doesn't change.”

For Mike Flood, that philosophy has guided a lifetime of service—from flying Coast Guard rescue missions to helping build community partnerships with the Seattle Seahawks.

Read how one Legionnaire is bringing a military ethos of service and purpose to the NFL:
https://www.legion.org/information-center/news/honor/2026/may/seattle-legionnaire-brings-military-ethos-to-seahawks

06/02/2026

✯ ✯ ✯ C.A.C.A. Banquet Photo Gallery ✯ ✯ ✯

May 31, 2026 - A large contingent of Cathay Post #186 “Foo Dogs” attended the annual Chinese American Citizen Alliance - Seattle Lodge (C**A) Banquet at Diamond Bay Restaurant. Cathay Post #186 proudly sponsored a table, with additional members seated throughout the banquet hall.

We were honored to present the Colors and represent our Post at this special event. More than a dozen Foo Dogs were in attendance, demonstrating our continued support for one of the nation's oldest and most respected Chinese American organizations.

Thank you to all who attended and helped strengthen the longstanding friendship between our organizations.

06/01/2026

✯ ✯ ✯ Annual CID Spring Clean ✯ ✯ ✯

The 25th Annual Chinatown-International District (CID) Spring Clean took place on May 30, bringing together hundreds of volunteers to help beautify the neighborhood and prepare for upcoming FIFA World Cup visitors.

A small but dedicated team of Foo Dog volunteers helped transform the storefront of Yummy House Bakery by removing old plywood, cleaning windows, and clearing away years of dirt and debris. The improvement was remarkable.

Across the CID, volunteers painted, picked up litter, removed graffiti, landscaped public spaces, spread mulch at Hing Hay Park, and completed numerous beautification projects.

We are proud to support the revitalization of our historic neighborhood and the small businesses that make the CID so special.

Special thanks to CIDBIA, community partners, sponsors, and all the volunteers who made this year's Spring Clean a success.

Veterans Strengthening America.

05/31/2026

American Legion Cathay Post #186 was honored to organize and host our 80th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Hing Hay Park on May 25, 2026.

On this solemn occasion, we gathered to honor and remember the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, devotion, and selfless commitment to freedom will never be forgotten.

This year, we also paid special tribute to Victor Odermat, a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Founder, President, and CEO of Brown Bear Car Wash, and a longtime member of American Legion Cathay Post #186. His extraordinary legacy of service to both country and community continues to inspire generations.

Although steady rain required us to reconfigure our seating and ceremony plans, it did not dampen our resolve to Honor and Remember. The spirit of Memorial Day remained strong as veterans, military families, community leaders, and supporters stood together in remembrance of our fallen heroes.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended despite the challenging weather, including representatives from:
Washington State elected leaders, Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound, Puget Sound Honor Flight, Nisei Veterans Committee (NVC), Seattle Police Department, Seattle Fire Department, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Seattle, ROC Veterans Association in Seattle, The Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and Numerous community organizations and supporters.

We were especially honored to hear from our distinguished speakers:
Keynote Speaker: Mayor Katie B. Wilson, City of Seattle, Hyeok Kim, King County Chief Operating Officer, Cathay Post #186 Youth Speakers: John Myers, Derek Su, and Aubrey “AJ” Moore, Representatives from the offices of Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Adam Smith, and Seattle City Councilmember Eddie Lin, District 2.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to the many individuals, families, organizations, and community leaders who participated in the wreath and flower presentation ceremony, helping us honor our fallen heroes with dignity, reverence, and respect.

Special thanks to the organizations and volunteers who helped plan and support this meaningful event:
• Members of American Legion Cathay Post #186, Chong Wa Benevolent Association, University of Washington AFROTC "Blue Dragon" Honor Guard, Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team, Chinese American Citizen Alliance - Seattle Lodge, Scouting America Boy Scouts Troop 54/Troop 254, National Anthem Singer Yolanda Ji, and The Clan Gordon Pipe Band

Memorial Day reminds us that “freedom is never free.” As we mark 80 years of remembrance, we remain committed to preserving the legacy of those who gave their lives in defense of our nation and our freedoms.

To all who helped make this ceremony possible, and to all who joined us in honoring our fallen heroes, we offer our deepest gratitude.

Lest We Forget.

05/29/2026

✯✯✯ LIMITED TIME OPPORTUNITY: Invest One Week… Change Your Future! ✯✯✯

Did you attend our Memorial Day ceremony? Were you inspired by our three outstanding youth speakers?

What did these three students have in common? All of them participated in the American Legion Washington High School Oratorical Contest and Evergreen Boys & Girls State programs.

There’s still time to register and participate in the Evergreen Boys & Girls State program this June!

If you know a high school junior, please encourage them to explore this incredible opportunity. Funding assistance and scholarships are available to help cover costs.

This week-long experience has the potential to change the trajectory of a young person’s future — building leadership skills, confidence, civic understanding, and opening doors to collegiate and career success.

American Legion Cathay Post #186 proudly stands behind and fully endorses these outstanding American Legion youth programs!

05/28/2026

This is a gallery of photos taken at the Nisei Veterans Committee (NVC) and NVC Foundation’s 81st Annual Memorial Day Service at Lake View Cemetery, on Memorial Day, 25 May 2026.

Many members and past commanders of American Legion Cathay Post #186 attended, including beloved Auntie Jean Mar, representing the enduring friendship and partnership between our two organizations that has proudly spanned more than eight decades.

Cathay Post Commander Erin McGlenn and Past Post Commander Haydon Mar had the honor of presenting a beautiful wreath on behalf of our Post in remembrance of our fallen heroes.

It was a moving and dignified ceremony filled with respect, reflection, and gratitude. Thank you, NVC, for your steadfast friendship, shared history, and continued commitment to honoring those who served our nation.

NVC and Cathay Post #186 - “United in Friendship Since WWII”

05/27/2026

“Extra! Extra! Read all about it!”

May 27, 2026 — Everyone is invited to read this outstanding article written by Cathay Post #186 member Alyson Teeter following her interview with fellow Cathay Post #186 member Mike Flood, Vice President of Outreach and External Affairs for the Seattle Seahawks.

The story highlights Mike’s three-generation legacy of American Legion membership and his tremendous work supporting veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families through the Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks organization.

We are proud to recognize Mike’s continued commitment to serving those who serve our nation and our community. Thank you, Mike, for all you do. Your leadership and dedication truly make a difference.

We also want to thank Aly for the care and professionalism she brought to this project through her interview, transcription work, and thoughtful storytelling. As Aly shared, “I love telling stories of good people and their amazing work to help others!” Mike responded with equal appreciation, saying, “Aly, I appreciate you and our Legion team for continuing to serve and uplift service personnel, veterans, and their families. I'm thankful for the opportunity to share my story.”

This article is a wonderful example of Cathay Post #186 members supporting one another while continuing our mission of “Veterans Strengthening America.”

Please click link to read the article: https://www.legion.org/information-center/news/honor/2026/may/seattle-legionnaire-brings-military-ethos-to-seahawks

05/27/2026

Cathay Post #186 History

A photo from our Memorial Day Ceremony 65 years ago. Back then, the Chinese American Soldiers Memorial was located in the parking lot of Chong Wa Benevolent Association. Today, the memorial stands at Hing Hay Park, continuing its legacy of honoring those who served and sacrificed.

We greatly appreciate the Seattle Community Chinese Girls Drill Team for paying tribute to our fallen heroes and for participating in our Memorial Day ceremonies year after year. Our sincere gratitude for your continued dedication, support, and commitment to preserving this tradition of remembrance.

Special thanks to MOHAI for preserving this wonderful historical photograph, helping connect our community to its rich history and legacy.

On Memorial Day 1961, Seattle's Chinese community held a ceremony at Chong Wa Playfield at Eighth Avenue South and South Weller Street in the Chinatown International District. In this image, members of the Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team are in the process of doing "gin-lai" as a wreath is placed at the base of a memorial.

📷: MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, 2000.107.176.19.03, photo by Tom Brownell

05/26/2026

Thank you, Mayor Wilson, for taking time out of your extremely busy schedule to serve as our keynote speaker for our 80th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony. We deeply appreciate your presence and thoughtful remarks honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Your willingness to stand with our community and recognize the meaning and importance of remembrance reflects true leadership and commitment to service.

Watch the video clip from King 5 on Instagram here: https://share.google/ON3wcerCYnBFQiVl3