Flags, families and tens of thousands of spectators will line Main Street in Auburn for the 58th annual Veterans Parade to be held on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, starting 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 hours. The City of Auburn is proud to be celebrating its 58th 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 2023. 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.
The parade boasts over 170 entries and over 4,000 parade participants showcasing American strength of will, endurance and purpose. The parade will feature over 15 marching bands, including American’s First Corps Band and Navy Band Northwest. Spectators will enjoy the procession of military entries, veteran units, ROTC Units, community and scouting groups, intermixed with floats, classic cars and other entries of interest. Be sure to catch sight of the antique military vehicles and equipment including a PBR, a model submarine, a Huey helicopter fuselage and a 21-foot replica of a Nimitz aircraft carrier.
Spectators are advised to arrive early, bring a folding chair, a flag, their best salute and plenty of tissue. A handful of Food Trucks will be located on South Division Street from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Parade emcees, Lee Stoll and Theron Zahn of KOMO 4 will be located at the corner of Main and Division. Curt Kruse and Jen Pirak from STAR 101.5 will emcee at the corner of Main and B Street NE.
There are numerous other events in Auburn to celebrate and honor Veterans:
American Legion Community Breakfast
Saturday, Nov. 11, 7 – 9 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. 11 from 7 – 9 a.m. A generous breakfast for $10 includes pancakes, eggs, ham and juice or coffee. Tickets available at the door.
Veterans Remembrance Ceremony and Lighting of the Flame
Saturday, Nov. 11, 9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Veterans Memorial Park This special ceremony will take place on Nov. 11 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. 11, 1 – 10 p.m.
Auburn Memorial Stadium The competition starts at 1:00 p.m. at Auburn Memorial Stadium, 801 Fourth St. NE, Auburn. Over 20 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. 11, Noon – 5 p.m.
VFW Post #1741 The VFW Auburn Post #1741 would like to honor all veterans on Saturday, Nov. 11, by hosting an Open House. The event will run from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. at the Auburn VFW, 130 West Main Street.
Auburn Noon Lions Veterans Luncheon
Saturday, Nov. 11, 1:30 p.m.
Merrill Gardens of Auburn
The lunch program honors our Veterans, with special recognition given to our Dignitaries in attendance. The Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee’s Outstanding Service to Veterans Award Recipients will be honored at the lunch, along with other special presentations. The luncheon is co-sponsored by the Auburn Noon Lions and the City of Auburn. Make your reservations early; the event has limited seating.
For more information about the 58th annual Auburn Veterans Parade and related activities, visit www.auburnwa.gov/vets or contact the City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation Department at 253-931-3043.
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