For the Reporter

Jim Sims of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) has been named the grand marshal of Auburn’s 49th annual Veterans Day Parade, Washington State Commander Jim Cordeiro announced Friday.

The Nov. 8 Veterans Day observance pays special tribute to MOPH. The mile-long parade, one of the largest of its kind in the country, begins at 11 a.m. on Main Street. The parade features nearly 200 units and over 5,500 parade participants, including more than 25 high school marching bands, military vehicles, veterans’ units, honor guards and more.

Sims, past national commander of MOPH, has had a distinguished career of more than 26 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He commanded a rifle company in Vietnam, was aide to the White House chief of staff and was secretary of the general staff at Marine Corps headquarters.

Sims’ military awards and decorations include: the Defense Distinguished Service Medal; Bronze Star with V for valor; Purple Heart and several more.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, Sims enjoyed a second career in state government and in the private sector. He is chair of the Washington Veterans Legislative Coalition, advocating with the state Legislature on veteran-related issues. He also is president of the Friends of the American Lake Golf Course, a nonprofit organization that raises funds for the course.

The MOPH is a congressionally chartered veterans service organization founded in 1958. The organization is unique among all veteran service organizations in that their membership is composed entirely of combat veterans who were wounded on the world’s battlefields while serving the United States of America in uniform.

Special day in Auburn

Auburn’s Veterans Day observance includes an American Legion breakfast, a Remembrance Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, a Static Display & Exhibit Showcase on South Division Street, an Auburn Noon Lions luncheon, the state’s largest marching band competition and more.For more information, visit www.auburnwa.gov/events.