For the Reporter
The City of Auburn has announced the winners of the 50th annual Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 7.
A panel of four judges took on the complex task of deciding the winners out of the 207 entries, of which 37 were high school marching bands or military bands. There are seven award categories, the most prestigious award being the General’s Award – Best in parade.
This year’s winners are as follows:
General’s Award – Best in Parade
#176 – Brothers in Arms Motorcycle Club (pictured above)
Admiral’s Award – Best Military Entry
#25 – E.E. Van Valkenberg
Memorial Award to Harold Page – Best Veteran Service Organization Entry
66 – United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Colonel’s Award – Best Motorized Entry
#64 – Military Order of the Purple Heart/American Lake Golf Course
Veteran’s Award – Best Non-Motorized Entry
#167 – Sons of the American Revolution
Mayor’s Award – Best Musical or Drill Entry
#76 – North Mason High School Marching Band
50th anniversary Award – Most Patriotic
#21 –Gold Star Mothers of Washington State – Fallen Hero Banners
The Curb Competition was created in 2010 as a way for groups and organizations that do not fit the parade criteria, to still participate in the event and honor veterans and active military personnel.
Award winners are as follows:
Best Curb Appeal – Wesley Homes
Most Patriotic – Knights of Columbus
Best Salute to Veterans – Price Helton Funeral Home
The parade is the focal point of numerous veteran-related events that take place in Auburn. Military and veteran units, military vehicles and equipment, marching bands, antique cars and community groups all took part in this year’s parade. The Star Spangled Banner was sung loud and proud to mark the beginning of the parade, which coincided with the breathtaking B-25 bomber flyover.
Spectators and parade participants were treated to two additional flyovers; the King County Sheriff’s Department helicopter, flying low over the parade route and a C-24, WWII-era aircraft, own and flown by local Vietnam Veteran, Steve Hewitt
