Since 1965, the City of Auburn has honored our veterans with a parade Veterans Day weekend. Plan to join in this year's event to pay tribute, thank and honor veterans and active military members on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. on Main Street in downtown Auburn. If you've never been before, you'll be in awe. If you're a long-time attendee, you'll be in for another great event.

The 2023 parade marks the 58th anniversary of this signature Auburn event. Over the years, Auburn's Veterans Parade has become one of the largest of its' kind in the United States. The parade typically boasts almost 5,000 participants and nearly 200 units -including military vehicles and equipment, active duty service members, veterans, marching bands, ROTC units, antique military vehicles and classic cars, community groups and more.  

The day starts bright and early with an American Legion-sponsored community breakfast at the Auburn Senior Activity Center from 7 to 9 a.m. The breakfast is followed by a Remembrance Ceremony and Lighting of the Flame at Veterans Memorial Park at 9:45 a.m.  A handful of food trucks will be available adjacent to the parade route from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A lunch is held directly after the parade that is a joint effort between the City of Auburn and the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs to recognize their Outstanding Service to Veterans Award winners. A VFW open house and the state's largest marching band competition conclude the day.

The focal point of the day's activities is the 11 a.m. parade, which commences with a flyover, maybe two if we're lucky! The City of Auburn invites a variety of dignitaries to participate in the parade including military commanders and state commanders for congressionally recognized veteran service organizations.

Spectators will want to keep a lookout for the musical delights of the more than 15 marching bands set to participate - including America's First Corps Band from JBLM and Navy Band Northwest.

Other highlights include the antique military vehicles and ROTC units, the replica of a Nimitz class aircraft carrier, a Huey helicopter fuselage and more.

Spectators are encouraged to check the website for additional event details: www.auburnwa.gov/vets.

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