Flags, families and tens of thousands of spectators withstood the rain and lined Main Street in Auburn for the 51st annual Veterans Parade on Saturday.

The parade proceeded west on Main Street from E Street to A Street Northwest near Auburn City Hall over a period of approximately 2½ hours.

Auburn’s signature event, which started in 1965, has become one of the largest parades of its kind west of the Mississippi River. The National Veterans Day Committee and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs selected Auburn as one of the few regional sites for Veterans Day observance this year.

Saturday’s parade paid special tribute to the U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI).

Parade co-grand marshals were World War II submariners Paul Christofferson and Ralph R. Sterley.

Auburn, a Vietnam War commemorative partner, also paid special tribute to the service, valor and sacrifice of those who served in the war.

The parade featuresd more than 200 entries and nearly 6,000 parade participants showcasing American strength of will, endurance and purpose. The parade showcased 30 marching bands, including the 56th First Corps Army Band, Navy Band Northwest and the 133D Washington National Guard Band.

Spectators were treated to several local Junior ROTC units, honor guards, military units and antique military vehicles. Spectators also enjoyed the procession of veteran units, drill teams, community and scouting groups, intermixed with floats, antique and classic cars and other entries of interest.