Get ready to wave your flags and cheer for our heroes because Auburn’s 59th Annual Veterans Parade & Observance is marching into town! This isn’t just any old parade here at Auburn, WA – it’s one of the biggest Veterans Day shindigs west of the Mississippi. Picture this: over 200 units, nearly 5,000 participants, and more red, white, and blue than you can shake a stick at.
From Pancakes to Parades: A Day-Long Celebration
The fun starts bright and early with a Community Breakfast at 7 a.m. You can stuff your face with pancakes, eggs, and ham for just ten bucks while rubbing elbows with local veterans. It’s like having breakfast with your very own band of heroes!
At 9:45 a.m., the Remembrance Ceremony and Lighting of the Flame at Veterans Memorial Park get a bit more serious. It’s a chance to take a moment and think about why we’re all here in the first place.
The Main Event: Parade Time!
At 11 a.m. sharp, the parade hits Main Street, and boy, is it a doozy! You’ll see:
- Military fly-overs (keep your eyes peeled and your ears open!)
- More than 20 marching bands (bring earplugs if you’re not a fan of oom-pah-pah)
- Honor guards and ROTC units (standing so straight you’ll wonder if they’ve swallowed their flagpoles)
- Antique military vehicles (older than your grandpa’s jokes)
- Veterans units (the real stars of the show)
- Community and scouting groups (wave to your neighbor’s kid!)
- Motorcycles and classic cars (for the gear-heads in the crowd)
But Wait, There’s More!
The parade might be the headliner, but it’s not the only act in town. After you’ve had your fill of marching and waving, check out these other events:
- Auburn VFW Post 1741 Open House: Mix and mingle with veterans from noon to 5 p.m. Free food and drinks? Yes, please!
- Auburn Veterans Day Marching Band Competition: Watch those bands battle it out from 1 to 10 p.m. at Auburn Memorial Stadium. It’s like a battle of the bands, but with more trumpets and fewer electric guitars.
- Auburn Noon Lions Veterans Luncheon: Rub shoulders with local bigwigs and chow down on some grub at 1:30 p.m.
Why Auburn? Why Not!
You might wonder, “Why is little ol’ Auburn hosting such a big to-do?” Well, this city has been throwing this party since 1965, and they’ve gotten pretty darn good at it. Auburn is usually named as a Regional Site for Veterans Day celebrations by the bigwigs in D.C. It’s not too shabby for a city you might have only heard of because you took a wrong turn on the way to Seattle!
What to Bring
- A comfy chair or blanket (unless you enjoy standing for hours)
- Snacks and water (or be prepared to fight the food truck lines)
- Cash for food and souvenirs (because nothing says “I love veterans” like a commemorative t-shirt)
- A small American flag (or ten – no one’s judging)
- Your best patriotic outfit (stars and stripes are always in fashion here)
- A camera (for those “I was there” moments)
- Your loudest cheering voice (these heroes deserve it!)
The Heart of the Matter
Sure, the Auburn Veterans Parade & Observance is a fun day out with plenty to see and do. But at its core, it’s about something much bigger. It’s a chance for all of us to say “thank you” to the men and women who’ve served our country. It’s a day to remember their sacrifices, honor their bravery, and show our appreciation for their service.
So whether you’re a longtime Auburn resident or just looking for a unique way to spend your Saturday, come to the 59th Annual Veterans Parade & Observance. It’s more than just a parade—it’s a heartfelt “thanks” wrapped in red, white, and blue.
Sources: auburnwa.gov, dva.wa.gov, komonews.com
Header Image Source: Photo by Ian MacDonald on Unsplash
