Day of honor

Auburn celebrates, remembers veterans past and present with a grand parade | PHOTOS

Hundreds of people lined Main Street to honor veterans past and present – an Auburn tradition.

Nearly 6,000 participants, 200 entries and 25 marching bands comprised the city’s 54th Veterans Day Parade on Saturday morning.

Despite the wet and dreary weather, spectators took in the parade – a colorful panoply of honor guards, military units and antique military vehicles, veteran units, drill teams, community and scouting groups, intermixed with floats, antique and classic cars and other entries of interest.

The parade paid special tribute to the service, valor and sacrifice of those who served in the Vietnam War.

It also honored the American Legion, which is celebrating its centennial this year, and was showcased at the front of the parade, following its chosen Grand Marshal, Bob Clark.

The day also featured various events to honor and celebrate veterans.

The Auburn High School Marching Band performs. RACHEL CIAMPI, Auburn Reporter

The Auburn High School Marching Band performs. RACHEL CIAMPI, Auburn Reporter

A veteran in the parade comes to shake hands with veteran Joe Lizama. RACHEL CIAMPI, Auburn Reporter

A veteran in the parade comes to shake hands with veteran Joe Lizama. RACHEL CIAMPI, Auburn Reporter

RACHEL CIAMPI, Auburn Reporter

RACHEL CIAMPI, Auburn Reporter

Washinton State American Gold Star Mothers. RACHEL CIAMPI, Auburn Reporter

Washinton State American Gold Star Mothers. RACHEL CIAMPI, Auburn Reporter

Mayor Nancy Backus. RACHEL CIAMPI, Auburn Reporter

Mayor Nancy Backus. RACHEL CIAMPI, Auburn Reporter

Auburn Mountainview JROTC in the parade. RACHEL CIAMPI, Auburn Reporter

Auburn Mountainview JROTC in the parade. RACHEL CIAMPI, Auburn Reporter