Flags, families and tens of thousands of spectators will line Main Street in Auburn for the 59th annual Veterans Parade to be held on Saturday, November 9 at 11am.
Auburn’s annual Veterans Parade & Observance 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 has hosted the parade since 1965.
The parade starts at 11am, with day long activities to run from 7am to 10pm. The day also pays special tribute to the service, valor and sacrifice of those who serve in the Vietnam War.
The parade route travels along Main Street from E Street to A Street NW near Auburn City Hall over a period of approximately two hours. Parade Emcees will be located at the corner of Main Street & Division Street and at the corner of Main Street & B Street NE.
Spectators are advised to arrive early, bring a folding chair, a flag and their best salute.
The parade typically boasts over 170 entries and thousands of parade participants, including over 12 marching bands including American’s First Corps Band and Navy Band Northwest. Spectators will also enjoy veterans’ units, ROTC Units, honor guards, community and scouting groups intermixed with floats, classic cars and more. Military vehicles — including antique military vehicles and equipment including a submarine, a Huey helicopter fuselage and 21-foot replica of a Nimitz aircraft carrier.
- From 7 to 9am, you can find breakfast at the Auburn Senior Activity Center: 808 Ninth Street SE
- From 9:45 to 10:15am, the remembrance ceremony and lighting of the Flame, wreath placement, honor guard, rifle salute, prayers, and taps. Takes place at Memorial Park, 411 E Street SE
- Beginning at 1pm, watch one of the most prestigious band competitions in the state at Auburn Memorial Stadium, 801 Fourth St NE (admission is charged for the band competition).
For more information about the parade and related activities, visit http://www.auburnwa.gov/vets or contact the City of Auburn Parks & Rec Dept at 253-931-3043.
