Saturday, November 11, 2017
Parade at 11:00 AM
Auburn, Washington is designated by the Veterans Day National Committee and the US Department of Veterans Affairs as a Regional Site for celebration of Veterans Day 2017. The City of Auburn is proud to be a Vietnam War Commemorative Partner. Auburn has hosted the Veterans Day Parade since 1965. Now in its 52nd year, the parade has grown into one of the largest Veteran's Day parades in the United States of America.
The purpose of Auburn's Veterans Day Parade is to positively focus on honoring our country's veterans and active military personnel. Through our parade, we focus recognition on congressionally-recognized Veteran Service Organizations and their auxiliaries, the military and reserve military, National Guard and ROTC. The goals and purposes of Auburn's Veterans Day Parade are to give honor to our country's military personnel and veterans and to their military missions of defending freedom around the world.
The 52nd annual Veterans Day Parade will be held in Auburn on Saturday, November 11 at 11:00 AM The parade boasts over 200 units and nearly 6,000 parade participants, including 30+ high school marching bands, military vehicles, veterans' units, honor guards and more. The 2017 parade will pay special tribute to the Fleet Reserve Association.
The parade route (PDF) travels along Main Street from E Street to A Street SW/NW. To participate in Auburn's Veterans Day Parade complete and return the official Parade Application (PDF). The parade has more applicants than it can permit to participate, and thus must select among the applicants those who will be able to participate. Those applications who are approved will be those that most closely meet the goals and purpose of Auburn's Veterans Day Parade.
OTHER RELATED ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
American Legion Auburn Post #78 Breakfast
Make reservations (PDF) early for this year's Veterans Day Breakfast on Saturday, November 11 from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM, held at the Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth Street SE. The breakfast is $7/person and includes pancakes, eggs, ham and juice or coffee. The breakfast is co-sponsored by the American Legion Post #78 and the City of Auburn.
Static Display & Exhibit Showcase
Information booths and static displays will be located on South Division Street from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Take time to visit the displays and booths to view military equipment and vehicles and veterans and/or military information. To participate in the Static Display, your application (PDF) must be submitted and approved prior to the October 9 deadline.
Once again, we are also accepting commercial entries in the Static Display & Exhibit Showcase. Those commercial entities whose services/items directly relate to the event's purpose may be accepted. Booth spaces (12' x 12' unless otherwise pre-arranged) are $350/booth. Please complete and return the commercial application (PDF) by the October 9 deadline to be considered.
Curb Competition
The Curb Competition is for entries that want to honor veterans, but don't meet the requirements to participate in the parade. Those participating in the Curb Competition may set-up and decorate a 12' long x 5' deep section of curb to honor our veterans. Participants must set-up along the parade route (Main Street) between Auburn Ave (A Street SE) to E Street NE. Set-up is held from 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM Judging is held from 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM. Awards will be given in three categories: Best Curb Appeal, Most Patriotic and Best Salute to Veterans. The application must be submitted and approved in order to be judged in the Curb Competition. Stay for the parade to salute our Veterans and active military personnel - a great way to show your support!
Remembrance Ceremony and Lighting of the Flame
The flame is lit and guarded through the night at the Veterans Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park, 411 E Street NE. Wreath placement, rifle salute, prayers and taps encompass this ceremony, held from 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM on Saturday, November 11.
Veterans Day Marching Band Competition
The state's largest marching band and field competition starts at 1:00 PM at the Auburn Memorial Stadium, 801 Fourth Street NE. The Marching Band Competition is hosted by the Auburn High School Band & Choir Parents. Over 30 bands compete in the field competition. Event admission is charged at the door. Visit the marching band competition's official websitelinks to external site for more information.
Auburn Noon Lions Veterans Day Luncheon
Reserve (PDF) your spot early for this year's Veterans Day Lunch, held on Saturday, November 11 from 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM (Doors open at 1:00 PM). NEW this year - the Veterans Day Luncheon will be held at Merrill Gardens - Auburn, 18 1st Street SE, located just two blocks from the end of the parade route. The luncheon is co-sponsored by the Auburn Noon Lions Club and the City 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 Veterans will be honored at the lunch, along with other special presentations. For additional information or to reserve seats by phone, call 253-931-3043.
"Our Heroes Our Parade" Banner Program
This program was created to recognize and pay tribute to the brave men and women in Auburn who are serving, have served, or have given their life to our country in the United States Armed Forces. It also provides an opportunity for individuals, businesses and Veteran Service Organizations to support those who served by sponsoring a banner in downtown Auburn. The tribute Banner application deadline is Monday, August 21, 2017. Please complete and return the application (PDF) with applicable banner fee and supporting documents.
VFW Open House
Come mix, meet and mingle with fellow Veterans at the Auburn VFW Post #1741's Open House. The Open House will be held at their 1525 A Street NE #107 location, from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Food and refreshments will be served.
Leashed, licensed and well-behaved pets welcome.
For additional lodging and dining information, please visit www.auburntourism.com links to external site.
Contact Information
Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation
253-931-3043
Join the American Legion.
Click HERE to send us a message and we will put you in contact with the local Legion membership member.
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