Auburn’s annual Veterans Day Parade returns Nov. 9

It’s one of the largest parades of its kind on the West Coast.

By Reporter Staff • November 6, 2024 4:20 pm
The 58th annual Veterans Parade and Observance was held Nov. 11, 2023, in downtown Auburn. It’s one of the largest Veterans Day parades on the West Coast. The event featured a flyover from a C-17 Globemaster III by the 446th Airlift Wing from Joint Base Lewis-McChord as well as America’s First Corps Band from JBLM, antique military vehicles, honor guards and ROTC Units, military marching units, veteran marching groups, drill teams, community and scouting groups, as well as numerous motorcycle clubs, antique car clubs and more. Photo courtesy of the City of Auburn
The 58th annual Veterans Parade and Observance was held Nov. 11, 2023, in downtown Auburn. It’s one of the largest Veterans Day parades on the West Coast. The event featured a flyover from a C-17 Globemaster III by the 446th Airlift Wing from Joint Base Lewis-McChord as well as America’s First Corps Band from JBLM, antique military vehicles, honor guards and ROTC Units, military marching units, veteran marching groups, drill teams, community and scouting groups, as well as numerous motorcycle clubs, antique car clubs and more. Photo courtesy of the City of Auburn

Always wanted to thank a U.S. military veteran for their service and sacrifice?

Saturday, Nov. 9, is your opportunity — and downtown Auburn is the place to be.

The 59th annual Veterans Parade in Auburn starts at 11 a.m. Saturday and will include more than 200 units and nearly 5,000 parade participants passing by along Main Street from E Street to A Street NW/SW, including 20-plus marching bands, military vehicles, veterans units, honor guards and more.

It total, the day-long activities run from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 9 as follows:

Community breakfast: 7 to 9 a.m., Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. SE. The breakfast is co-sponsored by the American Legion Auburn Post #78 and the City of Auburn. The breakfast is $10 per person and includes pancakes, eggs, ham, juice or coffee.

Remembrance Ceremony and Lighting of the Flame: 9:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., Veterans Memorial Park, 411 E. Street NE. The flame is lit and guarded through the night at the memorial at Veterans Memorial Park. Wreath placement, rifle salute, prayers and taps encompass this ceremony held prior to the parade.

Auburn VFW Post 1741 Open House: Noon to 5 p.m. Auburn VFW, 130 W. Main Street. This VFW Open House is exclusively for veterans and active duty personnel. Come mix, meet and mingle with fellow veterans. Food and refreshments will be served.

Auburn Veterans Day Marching Band Competition: 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., Auburn Memorial Stadium, 801 Fourth Street NE. One of the most prestigious band competitions in the state. Watch the 20-25 bands in the parade, then look on as they compete in the field competition later in the afternoon at Auburn Memorial Stadium. Admission charged for field competition.

Auburn Noon Lions Veterans Luncheon: 1:30 p.m. (doors open at 1 p.m.) at Merrill Gardens of Auburn, 18 First Street SE. The lunch program honors our veterans, with special recognition given to dignitaries in attendance. The Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee’s Outstanding Service to Veterans Award recipients will be honored at the lunch, along with other special presentations. The luncheon is co-sponsored by the Auburn Noon Lions and the City of Auburn. This event has limited seating, so make reservations early.

“Our Heroes, Our Parade” Banner Tribute Program: This program was created to recognize and pay tribute to the brave men and women in Auburn who are serving, have served, or have given their life to our country in the United States Armed Forces. It also provides an opportunity for individuals, businesses and Veteran Service Organizations to support those who served by sponsoring a banner in downtown Auburn.