Auburn's Veterans Day program to continue city's proud tradition

Flags, families and thousands of veterans will be in Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 7 to honor America’s veterans at Auburn's 44th Annual Veterans Day Parade and Observance.

Activities begin as early as 7 a.m. with the premiere attraction at 11 a.m. on Main Street for the mile-long parade. The parade will be preceded by a military C-17 fly-over from McChord Air Force Base and boasts just over 200 units showcasing American strength of will, endurance and purpose. The Veterans Day Parade will honor the American Legion.

The parade will proceed west on Main from E Street Southeast to A Street Northwest near Auburn City Hall over a period of approximately two hours. Bob Schwartz, state commander of the American Legion, will serve as the parade grand marshal as well as the guest speaker at the Veterans Day luncheon following the parade.

The parade will feature more than 25 high school marching bands, honor guards, military marching units and vehicles. Spectators will also enjoy the procession of veteran units, drill teams, community and scouting groups, intermixed with floats, antique and classic cars, horses, dogs and other entries of interest.

Among the planned events on Nov. 7 are:

• 7-9:30 a.m. – American Legion Post #78 Breakfast at the 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 St. SE. A generous breakfast for $6 includes pancakes, eggs, ham and juice or coffee.

• 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – Static Display and Exhibit Showcase on South Division Street. (Perpendicular to parade route).

• 9:45-10:15 a.m. – Veterans Remembrance Ceremony and Lighting of the Flame at Veterans Memorial Park

The special ceremony will take place at Auburn’s Veterans Memorial Park, 411 E St. 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.

• 1-10 p.m. – Veterans Day Marching Band Competition at Auburn Memorial Stadium.

The competition starts at 1 p.m. at Auburn Memorial Stadium, 801 Fourth St. NE, Auburn. Over 30 bands will compete in the field competition. Admission is $12 and is charged at the stadium gate (discount ticket prices available for students, children and seniors).

• 1:30 p.m. – Auburn Noon Lions Veterans Day luncheon at the Truitt Building.

• 3-5 p.m. – VFW Auburn Post #1741 Open House at VFW Post #1741.

The VFW Auburn Post #1741 recently moved and welcomes all veterans to come see the new building located at 1525 A St. NE, Suite 107. Refreshments will be served.

For more information about the parade and other activities, visit www.auburnwa.gov, or contact the City of Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation Department

at 253-931-3043.