Proud tradition continues: Auburn to host large Veterans Day program

Flags, families and thousands of veterans will line Main Street in Auburn for the mile-long Veterans Day parade to be held next Saturday

October 31, 2008 1:46 pm
The marching band from Washington High School of Parkland performed in last year’s Veterans Day parade in Auburn.
The marching band from Washington High School of Parkland performed in last year’s Veterans Day parade in Auburn.

Flags, families and thousands of veterans will line Main Street in Auburn for the mile-long Veterans Day parade to be held next Saturday

at 11 a.m.

It will proceed west on Main from E Street Southeast to B Street Northwest near Auburn City Hall over a period of approximately two hours.

The parade will honor the Vietnam Veterans of America. Billy Robins, state commander of the Vietnam Veterans of America, will serve as the grand marshal as well as guest speaker at a luncheon following the parade.

The Auburn Veterans Day Parade, one of the largest of its type west of the Mississippi, is celebrating its 43rd year. The National Veterans Day Committee and the Department of Defense again selected the City of Auburn as one of the regional sites for Veterans Day observance.

Preceded by a military C-17 fly-over from McChord Air Force Base, the parade will boast more than 200 units showcasing American strength of will, endurance and purpose.

The parade will feature more than 25 marching bands, honor guards, military marching units and vehicles. Spectators also will enjoy the procession of veterans’ units, drill teams, community and scouting groups, intermixed with floats, antique and classic cars, horses, dogs 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 events:

THE LINEUP

Saturday, Nov. 8

• American Legion Post No. 78 breakfast:

7-9:30 a.m., Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. SE. A generous breakfast for $6 includes pancakes, eggs, ham and juice or coffee.

• Static display and exhibit showcase: 9 a.m.-

3 p.m., Veterans Memorial Park, 411 NE Street SE. Displays and information booths will fill the park. The displays might include equipment, antique military vehicles, veteran artwork, and informational booths relating to veterans and the military. Among those scheduled to participate in the showcase are the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, Mothers of Military Support and the Puget Sound Military Vehicle Collectors Club.

• Veterans remembrance ceremony, Lighting of the Flame: 10-10:30 a.m., Veterans Memorial Park. Featuring patriotic music, an honor guard and a 21-gun salute.

• Veterans Day marching band competition:

1-10 p.m., Auburn Memorial Stadium, 801 Fourth St. NE. More than 30 bands will compete. Day filled with great music, drill and precision performances. Admission is $12 and 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. on the second floor. Event to honor the Vietnam Veterans of America 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 $13 per person by calling 253-931-3043.

• VFW Auburn Post No. 1741 open house:

3-5 p.m., VFW, 1525 A St. NE, Suite 107. Serving refreshments.

• Auburn Eagles No. 2298 breakfast, lunch:

All day, 702 M St. SE.

Proceeds benefit charity.

For more information, visit www.auburnwa.gov, or call 253-931-3043.