Flags, families and thousands of veterans will be in Auburn on Saturday to honor America’s veterans at 44th Annual Veterans Day Observance and Parade.
Activities begin as early as 7 a.m. with the premiere attraction at 11 a.m. on Main St. for the mile-long parade. The parade will be preceded by a military C-17 fly-over from McChord Air Force Base and boasts just over 200 units showcasing American strength of will, endurance and purpose. The 2009 Veterans Day Parade will honor the American Legion.
The parade will proceed west on Main from E State Southeast to A Street Northwest near Auburn City Hall over a period of approximately two hours. Bob Schwartz, State Commander of the American Legion will serve as the Parade Grand Marshal as well as the guest speaker at the Veterans Day Luncheon following the parade.
The Auburn Veterans Day Parade, one of the largest of its type west of the Mississippi, is celebrating its 44th year. The National Veterans Day Committee and the Department of Defense have once again selected the City of Auburn as one of the regional sites for Veterans Day Observance in 2009.
The parade will feature more than 25 high school marching bands, honor guards, military marching units and vehicles. Spectators will also enjoy the procession of veteran units, drill teams, community and scouting groups, intermixed with floats, antique and classic cars, horses, dogs and other entries of interest.
Spectators are advised to arrive early, bring a folding chair, a flag, their best salute and plenty of tissue.
Planned events on Saturday:
• 7-9:30 a.m. – American Legion Post #78 Breakfast at the Auburn Senior Activity Center
Co-sponsored by the American Legion Post #78 and the City of Auburn, the annual Veterans Day Breakfast is held at the Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. SE. A generous breakfast for $6 includes pancakes, eggs, ham and juice or coffee.
• 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – Static Display and Exhibit Showcase on South Division St. (perpendicular to parade route)
Displays and information booths will fill South Division St. These displays may include military vehicles and equipment and informational booths relating to veterans and the military. Scheduled to participate in the Exhibit Showcase are, among others, the United States Army, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, the Washington Air National Guard and the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps.
• 9:45-10:15 a.m. – Veterans Remembrance Ceremony and Lighting of the Flame at Veterans Memorial Park
This special ceremony will take place at Auburn’s Veterans Memorial Park, 411 E St. NE, and will feature patriotic music, an honor guard and 21-gun salute. Once lit, the flame at the Veterans Memorial will be guarded for 24 hours.
• 1-10 p.m. – Veterans Day Marching Band Competition at Auburn Memorial Stadium
The competition starts at 1 p.m. at Auburn Memorial Stadium, 801 Fourth St. NE, Auburn. Over 30 bands will compete in the field competition, which includes great music, drill and precision performances. Admission is $12 and is charged at the stadium gate (discount ticket prices available for students, children and seniors).
• 1:30 p.m. – Auburn Noon Lions Veterans Day Luncheon at the Truitt Building
This annual luncheon, hosted by the Auburn Noon Lions Club will honor the American Legion and recognize the Outstanding Service to Veterans Program, as awarded by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. The luncheon will be held at the Truitt Building, 102 West Main St. on the 2nd Floor. This is a limited seating event – reserve your seat today for $13 per person by calling 253-931-3043.
• 3-5 p.m. – VFW Auburn Post #1741 Open House at VFW Post #1741
The VFW Auburn Post #1741 recently moved and welcomes all veterans to come see the new building located at 1525 A St. NE, Suite 107. Refreshments will be served.
For more information about the 44th annual Auburn Veterans Day Parade and other activities, visit www.auburnwa.gov, or contact the City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation Department at 253-931-3043.
