Auburn native and recently re-elected Gov. Christine Gregoire will speak at the Veterans Day remembrance and lighting of the flame ceremony Saturday and ride in the parade.

The annual ceremony honoring the lasting memory of those who served in war and those who gave their lives for peace starts at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 405 E St. N.E.

Gregoire and Mayor Pete Lewis will join other dignitaries at the half-hour ceremony to express their pride and respect for America’s veterans. There will be patriotic music, an honor guard and a 21-gun salute. Once lit, the flame at the memorial will be guarded for 24 hours.

The ceremony will be followed at 11 a.m. by Auburn’s 43nd annual Veterans Day parade. Preceded by a military C-17 fly-over from McChord Air Force Base, the parade will boast more than 200 units showcasing American strength of will, endurance and purpose. The parade will feature more than 25 marching bands, honor guards, military marching units and vehicles. Spectators also will enjoy the procession of veterans units, drill teams, community and scouting groups, intermixed with floats, antique and classic cars, horses, dogs and other entries of interest.

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SATURDAY’S EVENTS

• American Legion Post No. 78 breakfast: 7-9:30 a.m., Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. SE. A generous breakfast for $6 includes pancakes, eggs, ham and juice or coffee.

• Static display and exhibit showcase: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Veterans Memorial Park, 411 NE Street SE. Displays and information booths will fill the park.

• Veterans remembrance ceremony, lighting of the flame: 10-10:30 a.m., Veterans Memorial Park. Featuring Gov. Chris Gregoire’s speech, along with patriotic music, an honor guard and 21-gun salute. Once lit, the flame at the Veterans Memorial will be guarded for 24 hours.

• Veterans Day parade: 11 a.m. (approximately two hours). Flags, families and thousands of veterans will line Main Street for the mile-long parade. It will proceed west on Main from E Street Southeast to B Street Northwest near Auburn City Hall. The parade will honor the Vietnam Veterans of America. Billy Robins, state commander of the Vietnam Veterans of America, will serve as the parade grand marshal as well as the guest speaker at the Veterans Day Luncheon following the parade.

• Veterans Day marching band competition: 1-10 p.m., Auburn Memorial Stadium, 801 Fourth St. NE. More than 30 bands will compete. Day filled with great music, drill and precision performances. Admission is $12 and charged at the stadium gate.

• Auburn Noon Lions Veterans Day luncheon: 1:30 p.m., Truitt Building, 102 W. Main St. on the second floor. Event to honor the Vietnam Veterans of America and recognize the outstanding service to Veterans program, as awarded by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. Limited seating.

• VFW Auburn Post No. 1741 open house: 3-5 p.m., VFW, 1525 A St. NE, Suite 107. Serving refreshments.

• Auburn Eagles No. 2298 breakfast, lunch: All day, 702 M St. SE. Proceeds benefit charity.

For more information, visit www.auburnwa.gov, or call 253-931-3043.