Auburn Veterans Day Parade award winners announced

The Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation Department has announced the winners of the 45th annual Veterans Day Parade held last Saturday.

The mile-long parade route was lined five and six deep with supporters waving their American flags, saluting and shouting, “Thank you!” to honor veterans.

With close to 200 entries – 28 of them being high school marching bands – city officials said it was increasingly difficult to determine the winner in each category. A panel of three judges sat at the reviewing stand and took on the complex task of deciding the winners.

There were six award categories, with the most prestigious award being the General’s Award – Best in parade.

This year’s winners were follows:

General’s Award – Best in Parade

Fallen Soldier Banners

Admiral’s Award – Best Military Entry

Washington High School Air Force Junior ROTC Drill Team

Memorial Award to Harold Page – Best Veteran Service Organization Entry

Vietnam Veterans Helicopter Pilots Association

Colonel’s Award – Best Motorized Entry

Brothers In Arms Motorcycle Club

Veteran’s Award – Best Non-Motorized Entry

Joint Service Color Guard

Mayor’s Award – Best Musical or Drill Entry

Bremerton High School Marching Band

The City of Auburn also would like to congratulate Cub Scout Pack 452 of North Bend for honoring the veterans with an outstanding display along the parade route. Cub Scout Pack 452 was awarded "Best Curb Appeal" in the inaugural Curb Competition, which was held in conjunction with the parade.

The parade is the focal point of numerous veteran-related events that take place in Auburn. Military and veteran units, military vehicles and equipment, marching bands, antique cars and community groups all took part in this year’s parade. Past Auburn Idol winner, Dayla Walker belted out "The Star Spangled Banner" to mark the beginning of the parade.

The City of Auburn would like to congratulate this year’s parade winners, and thank all veterans, active military and parade participants for supporting the 2010 observance. The 2011 event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 5. For additional details and event information, visit the City of Auburn’s website at www.auburnwa.gov or call 253-931-3043.

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