50th Annual Veterans Day Parade

Now in its 50th year, Auburn’s annual Veterans Day parade has grown into one of the largest in the country. In fact, Auburn is designated by both the Veterans Day National Committee and the US Department of Veterans Affairs as a Regional Site for the annual celebration.

Auburn takes the commemoration seriously, and has extended festivities over the course of several days. But the big day itself, Saturday, November 7, bubbles with activities: the American Legion Breakfast at 7am, special exhibits from 8 to 10am, a remembrance ceremony at 9:45am and the parade itself at 11am.

Immediately following the parade, Auburn puts on the state's largest marching band and field competition, the Lions Club hosts a lunch, the VFW Post invites you to their open house and the local movie theater kicks off a week-long film series to honor our country’s veterans.

“The City of Auburn is so honored to host this parade each year,” says Kristy Pachciarz, Special Events Coordinator for the City of Auburn. “We know it means a lot to the participants and the spectators, and all the veterans and military. And it means a lot to us.”

The parade itself includes nearly 6,000 parade participants, including the most bands the event has ever had. “It will be very entertaining!” exclaims Kristy.

The day will be very special in many ways, not the least of which is a visit from retired Brigadier General John P. Rose. He is visiting from Washington D.C. on behalf of the Vietnam War Commemoration. “Dr. Rose will be participating in the parade itself and speaking at a special event,” says Kristy. “His goal is to reach as many Vietnam veterans as possible,” she adds. “He wants to personally thank all the Vietnam veterans for their service, and give each Vietnam veteran he meets a Congress-approved pin to honor their service to the country. We wanted to give Dr. Rose the opportunity to meet with as many Vietnam veterans as possible, and so we have put together a social on the day before the parade. Veterans, friends and family are all welcome to the event.”

The free Vietnam Veterans Social is held on Friday, November 6 from 9:30-11:30am at the White River Valley Museum at 918 H Street SE in Auburn. Light refreshments will be served. The event is free and no registration is required.

While at the White River Valley Museum, plan to take in the special exhibition, “SERVICE INK: Veterans’ Tattoos and Their Stories. This exhibit will be on display until November 15 (www.wrvmuseum.org, 253-288-7433).

For more information about the full schedule of events honoring veterans, visit www.auburn.gov/vetsday or call 253-931-3043

MORE INFORMATION

• Location of the Veterans Day Parade: The one-mile parade route travels west along Main Street to A Street NW in downtown Auburn. The nearby Auburn transit station parking garage, at 110 Second Street SW, is available for free from 6am to 6pm on the day of the event, or other parking options are available near the event.

• A great place to watch the parade is near City Hall, 25 West Main Street. This is where the Dignitary Review Stand is located, so many of the bands, ROTC units and other groups may perform there. Arrive early to reserve your seat along the parade route and plan to spend time in the display area to view a variety of military vehicles and equipment.

• The Marching Band Competition starts at 1pm at the Auburn Memorial Stadium, 801 Fourth Street NE. The event features over 30 bands from a three-state area competing in the field competition. Event admission is charged at the door. For more information, visit http://auburnveteransday.webs.com

• SERVICE INK: Veterans’ Tattoos and Their Stories is an exhibit hosted at the White River Valley Museum. The museum is also hosting a special Vietnam Veterans Social on Friday, November 6 from 9:30-11:30am to “Meet & Greet” Retired U.S. Army Brigadier General, Dr. John P. Rose. Dr. Rose will present special, 'Congress-approved' pins to Vietnam Veterans in attendance. Light refreshments will be served. Free event; no registration required. 918 H Street SE, Auburn.

For more information about the full schedule of events, visit www.auburn.gov/vetsday or call 253-931-3043.