U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) is scheduled to attend the 46th Auburn Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, her office reported today.

The senator will join state and local officials for the festivities.

The mile-long parade, one of the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi, begins at 11 a.m. on Main Street. It will proceed west on Main from E Street Southeast to A Street Northwest near Auburn City Hall over a period of approximately two hours.

The parade pays special tribute to the Disabled American Veterans. Ryan Nabors, disabled state commander of the DAV, serves as parade grand marshal and guest speaker at the Veterans Day luncheon following the parade.

Preceded by a military C-17 flyover from the U.S. Air Force at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the parade features nearly 200 entries showcasing American strength of will, endurance and purpose. The parade includes more than 30 marching bands, as well as local Junior ROTC units, honor guards, military units and antique military vehicles. Spectators also will enjoy the procession of veteran units, drill teams, community and scouting groups, intermixed with floats, antique and classic cars and other entries of interest.

The National Veterans Day Committee and the U.S. Department of Defense selected the Auburn as one of the few regional sites for Veterans Day observance in 2011.