Auburn’s 60th annual Veterans Parade and Observance is Nov. 8

By Reporter Staff • November 6, 2025 7:30 am
A scene from the 2024 Veterans Parade in Auburn. Courtesy photo
A scene from the 2024 Veterans Parade in Auburn. Courtesy photo

Since it began in 1965, Auburn’s annual Veterans Parade and Observance has grown into one of the largest of its kind in the United States.

Starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, Auburn’s Main Street east and west will once tremble under the weight of tanks and military equipment, the measured tread of boots, the clopping of horses, and the patriotic music of more than 10 marching bands for the parade’s 60th year.

The annual event typically boasts more than 150 units and nearly 4,000 parade participants, including numerous military vehicles, veterans’ units, honor guards, marching bands and more moving along Main Street from E Street to A Street NW/SW.

The event is all about honoring the nation’s veterans and active military personnel. The parade honors congressionally recognized veteran service organizations and their auxiliaries, the military and military reserve, the National Guard and the ROTC.

The Veterans Day National Committee and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs typically designate Auburn as a Regional Site for the celebration of Veterans Day. The City of Auburn is a Vietnam War Commemorative Partner and considers it “an honor and privilege to host this annual event.”

Related activities on Saturday are as follows:

• American Legion Auburn Post #78 and City of Auburn co-sponsored Community Breakfast: 7 to 9 a.m., Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth Street SE. The cost is $12 per person and includes pancakes, eggs, ham, juice or coffee.

• Remembrance Ceremony and Lighting of the Flame: 9:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 411 E Street NE. The flame is lit and guarded through the night at the park. Wreath placement, rifle salute, prayers and taps encompass this ceremony held prior to the parade.

• Auburn VFW Post 1741 Open House 12 to 5 p.m. Auburn VFW, 130 W. Main St.: This VFW Open House is exclusively for veterans and active-duty personnel. Come mix, meet and mingle with fellow veterans. Food and refreshments will be served.

• Auburn Veterans Day Marching Band Competition: 2 to 10 p.m. Auburn Memorial Stadium, 801 Fourth Street NE. Watch the 20-25+ bands in the parade, then look on as they compete in the field competition later in the afternoon at Auburn Memorial Stadium. Admission charged for field competition.

• Auburn Noon Lions Veterans Luncheon: 1:30 p.m., (doors open at 1 p.m.) at Merrill Gardens of Auburn, 18 First Street SE. The lunch program honors the nation’s veterans, with special recognition given to the dignitaries in attendance. The Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee’s Outstanding Service to Veterans Award recipients will be honored at the lunch, along with other special presentations. The luncheon is co-sponsored by the Auburn Noon Lions and the City of Auburn. This event has limited seating, so make reservations early.

• “Our Heroes, Our Parade” Banner Tribute 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.