An Auburn tradition – the nationally recognized Veterans Day Parade – returns to the streets Saturday.
Flags, families and thousands of veterans will line Main Street for the mile-long parade, which begins at 11 a.m. 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.
The parade, one of the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi, celebrates its 46th year. 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.
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.
Spectators are advised to arrive early, bring a folding chair, a flag, their best salute and plenty of tissue.
Other Saturday events to celebrate and honor veterans:
• American Legion Post No. 78 Breakfast
7-9:30 a.m., Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. SE
Co-sponsored by the American Legion Post No. 78 and the City of Auburn. A generous breakfast for $6 includes pancakes, eggs, ham and juice or coffee. Tickets available in advance or at the door.
• Static Display and Exhibit Showcase
9 a.m.-2 p.m. A Street SE (perpendicular to parade route)
Displays and information booths relating to veterans and the military. Among those scheduled to participate in the showcase are the U.S. Army, Vietnam Battlefield Tours, U.S. Coast Guard, Friends of the American Lake Veterans Golf Course and Vets Meet Vets.
• Veterans Remembrance Ceremony and Lighting of the Flame
9:45 a.m.-10:15 a.m., Veterans Memorial Park, 411 E St. NE
Featuring patriotic music, an honor guard and 21-gun salute. Once lit, the flame at the memorial will be guarded for 24 hours. Presented by the American Legion – Auburn Post No. 78, with the help of the Inter-Tribal Warrior Society, the Muckleshoot Tribe and the City of Auburn.
• Veterans Day Marching Band Competition
1-10 p.m., Auburn Memorial Stadium, 801 Fourth St. NE
More than 30 bands compete in the field competition, which includes music, drill and precision performances from some of the best high school marching bands in the Pacific Northwest. Admission is charged at the stadium gate (discount ticket prices available for students, children and seniors).
• Auburn Noon Lions Veterans Day Luncheon
1:30 p.m., Truitt Building, 102 W. Main St., second floor
Luncheon, hosted by the Auburn Noon Lions Club and the City of Auburn, pays tribute to the Disabled American Veterans and recognize the Outstanding Service to Veterans Program, as awarded by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. Limited seating. Reserve your seat today for $15 per person by calling 253-931-3043.
• VFW Auburn Post No. 1741 Open House
3-5 p.m., VFW Post No. 1741, 1525 A St. NE, Suite 107
NOTE: Barrels for nonperishable food item donations will be located throughout downtown Auburn at participating merchants during the Veterans Day Parade on Main Street. Donations will assist the Auburn Food Bank.
For more information about the parade and other activities, visit www.auburnwa.gov, or contact the City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation Department at 253-931-3043.
