Flags, families and thousands of veterans will line Main Street in Auburn for the mile-long Veterans Day Parade to be held on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. It will proceed west on Main from E St. SE to A St. NW near Auburn City Hall over a period of approximately two and a half hours. The City of Auburn is proud to be a Vietnam Warm Commemorative Partner. The 2014 Veterans Day Parade will pay special tribute to the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Jim Sims will serve as the Parade Grand Marshal as well as the guest speaker at the Veterans Day Luncheon following the parade.
The Auburn Veterans Day Parade, one of the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi, is celebrating its 49th year. The National Veterans Day Committee and the US Department of Veterans Affairs have once again selected the City of Auburn as one of the few Regional Sites for Veterans Day Observance in 2014.
The parade boasts over 200 entries and nearly 6,000 parade participants showcasing American strength of will, endurance and purpose. The parade will feature over 30 marching bands, as well as local Junior ROTC units, honor guards, military units and antique military vehicles. Spectators will also enjoy the procession of veteran units, drill teams, community and scouting groups, intermixed with floats, antique and classic cars and other entries of interest.
Spectators are advised to arrive early, bring a folding chair, a flag, their best salute and plenty of tissue. There will also be many other events in Auburn to celebrate and honor Veterans:
American Legion Post #78 Breakfast
Saturday, Nov. 8, 7 – 9:30 a.m., Auburn Senior Activity Center
Co-sponsored by the American Legion Post #78 and the City of Auburn, the annual Veterans Day Breakfast is held at the Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth Street SE, on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 7 - 9:30 a.m. A generous breakfast for $6 includes pancakes, eggs, ham and juice or coffee. Tickets available in advance or at the door.
Static Display and Exhibit Showcase
Saturday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., South Division Street (perpendicular to parade route)Displays and information booths will fill South Division Street, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8. These displays may include military vehicles and equipment and informational booths relating to veterans and the military. Scheduled to participate in the Exhibit Showcase is, among others, the United States Army, the Washington Army National Guard, Wreaths Across America, Fisher House and the US Department of Veterans Affairs. A handful of food/beverage vendors will be included in the Static Display area featuring coffee/espresso items, hot dogs, kettle corn, cotton candy, pretzels and other items to quench your thirst and tame your appetite.
Veterans Remembrance Ceremony and Lighting of the Flame
Saturday, Nov. 8, 9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m., Veterans Memorial Park
This special ceremony will take place on Nov. 8 from 9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. at Auburn’s Veterans Memorial Park, 411 E Street NE, and will feature patriotic music, an honor guard and 21-gun salute. Once lit, the flame at the Veterans Memorial will be guarded for 24 hours.
Veterans Day Marching Band Competition
Saturday, Nov. 8, 1:00 – 10 p.m., Auburn Memorial Stadium
The competition starts at 1:00 p.m. at Auburn Memorial Stadium, 801 Fourth St. NE, Auburn. Over 30 bands will compete in the field competition, which includes great music, drill and precision performances from some of the best high school marching bands in the Pacific Northwest. Admission is charged at the stadium gate (discount ticket prices available for students, children and seniors).
VFW Auburn Post #1741 Open House
Saturday, Nov. 8, 3 – 5 p.m., VFW Post #1741
The VFW Auburn Post #1741 would like to honor all veterans on Saturday, Nov. 8, by hosting an Open House. The event will run from 3 - 5 p.m. at the Auburn VFW, located at 1525 A Street NE, Suite 107.
Sweet Swing! A Tribute to Veterans
Saturday, Nov. 8, 6:30pm., Auburn Ave. Theater
Through song, costume and narration, Swing Swing! tells the stories of America with the joys of good musical memories as well as the sad songs of our country’s history. These talented performers came together to preserve and present American WWII music and share women’s progressive advancement through the decades. Doors open at 5:30pm. Tickets: $15 regular; $13 student/senior; $10 special Veteran discount.
For more information about the 49th annual Auburn Veterans Day Parade and other activities, visit www.auburnwa.gov/events, or contact the City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation Department at 253-931-3043.
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