Ryan Nabors, commander of the Washington State Department of Disabled American Veterans, will be the grand marshall of the 2011 Auburn Veterans Day Parade. Nov. 5.

Nabors, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, is a life member of the DAV Olympia Chapter 41 and has served it in a number of positions, among them chapter commander, adjutant and service officer. Within the Department of Washington, he has been senior vice commander, legislative chairman, department service director and treasurer.

The 46th annual parade, which begins at 11 a.m., will pay special tribute to the 1.2 million member DAV, a non-profit 501(c)(4) charity dedicated to building better lives for America’s disabled veterans and their families. Disabled veterans returning from World War I founded the DAV in 1920 to represent their interests. In 1932, it was congressionally chartered as the official voice of the nation’s wartime disabled veterans.

The focal point of the day-long activities is the mile-long parade, which includes military units, veteran service organizations, marching bands, honor guards, drill teams, community and scouting groups,  floats, antique cars and community groups. The official start of the parade is at Main Street and E Street Northeast, and it will proceed from there west on Main Street to A Street Northwest.

The observance includes an American Legion breakfast, a remembrance ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, a static display, exhibit showcase on Division Street, a military fly-over, an Auburn Noon Lions luncheon and the state’s largest marching band competition.

Nabors served in the Coast Guard from 1995 through 1999. His service included operations in the Gulf of Alaska, the Bering Sea and counter drug operations in Mexico and off the California coast. While conducting search-and-rescue operations and law enforcement patrols aboard the Coast Guard cutter Steadfast, Nabors sustained serious injuries.

After his military service, Nabors attended Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland, Wash., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies. He earned his masters in international relations at Troy University, concentrating in national security affairs. Recently he earned a master’s certificate in organizational leadership.

In 2010 the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs named Nabors its Service Officer of the Year. The National Coalition of Homeless Veterans in 2010 recognized him as its Unsung Hero. Recently, Gov. Chris Gregoire appointed Nabors to the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee and the Governor’s Disability Issues and Employment Committee.

For more information about the parade or other related activities, visit www.auburnwa.gov, or contact the City of Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation Department at (253) 931-3043.