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Auburn Celebrates Veterans With 54th Annual Veterans Parade

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Flags, families and tens of thousands of spectators will line Main Street in Auburn for the 54th annual Veterans Parade to be held on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. It will proceed west on Main Street from E Street to A Street NW near Auburn City Hall over a period of approximately two and a half hours. The City of Auburn is proud to be celebrating its 54th anniversary of this signature event, which started in 1965.  Over the years, Auburn’s Veterans Parade has become one of the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi. 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 2019. The City of Auburn is proud to be a Vietnam War Commemorative Partner and will also be paying special tribute to the service, valor, and sacrifice of those who served in the Vietnam War.

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53rd Auburn Annual Veterans Parade | Photo for the Auburn Examiner

Auburn’s 54th Annual Veterans Parade

The 2019 event will pay special tribute to the American Legion, who will be showcased at the front of the parade, following their chosen Grand Marshal, Bob Clark.  The American Legion is celebrating its centennial; the organization was chartered and incorporated by congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. The American Legion is the largest wartime Veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth, sponsoring programs in their local communities, advocating patriotism and assisting fellow service members and veterans.

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The parade boasts over 200 entries and nearly 6,000 parade participants showcasing American strength of will, endurance, and purpose. The parade will feature nearly over 25 marching bands, including American’s 1st Corps Band and Navy Band Northwest.  Spectators will be treated to several 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. Parade emcees, Lee Stoll and Theron Zahn of KOMO 4 will be located at the corner of Main and Division and there will also be another emcee at the corner of Main and B Street NE.

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53rd Auburn Annual Veterans Parade | Photo for the Auburn Examiner

Veterans Day Events in Auburn

There are numerous other events in Auburn to celebrate and honor Veterans:

American Legion Community Breakfast

Saturday, Nov. 9, 7 – 9:30 a.m., Auburn Senior Activity Center
Co-sponsored by the American Legion Post #78 and the City of Auburn, the annual American Legion Community Breakfast is held at the Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth Street SE, on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 7 – 9:30 a.m. A generous breakfast for $8 includes pancakes, eggs, ham and juice or coffee.   Tickets available in advance or at the door.

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Static Display and Exhibit Showcase

Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., South Division Street and A Street SE/Auburn Ave. (perpendicular to parade route)

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53rd Auburn Annual Veterans Parade | Photo for the AE

Over 40 displays and information booths will fill South Division Street and A Street SE, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9. 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 PBY-Naval Air Museum, Wounded Warrior Project and the Federal Way Vet Center. The Washington Army National Guard plans to bring their rock wall (weather dependent) and a variety of military vehicles and equipment.  Other agencies include Valley Cities Veterans Team, the VFW Department of Washington, the Civil Air Patrol and more.  A handful of food/beverage vendors will be included in the Static Display area including Fisher Fair Scones, KC Deez BBQ Truck, Tastyz Kettle Corn and more to quench your thirst and tame your appetite.

Veterans Remembrance Ceremony and Lighting of the Flame

Saturday, Nov. 9, 9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m., Veterans Memorial Park
This special ceremony will take place on Nov. 9 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.

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Veterans Day Marching Band Competition

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53rd Auburn Annual Veterans Parade | Photo for the Auburn Examiner

Saturday, Nov. 9, 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 25 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. 9, 1:00 – 5 p.m., VFW Post #1741
The VFW Auburn Post #1741 would like to honor all veterans on Saturday, Nov. 9, by hosting an Open House. The event will run from 1 – 5 p.m. at the Auburn VFW, located at 1525 A Street NE, Suite 107.

For more information about the 54th annual Auburn Veterans Parade and related activities, visit www.auburnwa.gov/vetsday, or contact the City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation Department at 253-931-3043.


The above is a press release from the City of Auburn.  The Auburn Examiner has not independently verified its content.

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