One day each November, Auburn’s Main Street shapeshifts into a sea of military might, a mile-long parade honoring veterans of all stripes, a spirited 2½-hour march bursting with music, flags, salutes, tears and applause.

For those veterans who come unprepared, the experience can be overwhelming.

Over the years, the Auburn Veterans Day Parade has blossomed into one of the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi. The 11 a.m. parade turns golden Saturday, celebrating its 50th anniversary.

And one of its long-standing participants, the Auburn Sons of Italy, will be among the more than 200 entries.

More than 30 high school marching bands, honor guards, veterans groups and military vehicles will be in the parade, watched by more than 6,000 people along the parade route

Ronnie Beyersdorf, secretary for the Auburn Sons of Italy, Lodge 1955, said the nonprofit fraternal service organization has been part of the parade for 35 years. The group, estimated at 245 members, is composed of men and women, veterans of all wars, conflicts and peacetime military service, even those who served with the NATO forces of Italy.

Some members share memberships with the Auburn American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans.

“Auburn is unique in that we have a number of immigrant members still active in the lodge,” said Beyersdorf, 72, of Auburn. “So things are very traditional. …. We have a good time.”

About 50 strong from the lodge are expected to march Saturday. Members from other lodges will join the Auburn contingent. A restored 1942 U.S. Army Jeep will follow the marchers and the Sons of Italy’s colors.

For the many who participate, the parade is an unforgettable experience.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling that you get from marching in our parade,” said Beyersdorf, who served in the U.S. Army Reserves in the 1960s before he fulfilled his military obligation and embarked on a nearly 40-year career at Boeing. “Those who come out who are first-time marchers, year in and year out, come to tell me, ‘Ronnie, I am so moved by this. I just can’t believe it.’ “

Large national following

Beyersdorf and his family are members of the Sons of Italy, the largest and oldest organization for men and women of Italian heritage in the U.S. The national, multigenerational organization represents an estimated 26 million Americans of Italian heritage, dedicated to promoting the country’s culture, traditions, language, legacy and contributions.

Beyersdorf’s wife, Rosetta, was born in Italy and immigrated to the U.S. with her family when she was 3.

Beyersdorf, a member since 1971, and his family – the couple raised three children – have supported the organization in many ways. Sons of Italy performs a wide range of community service, participating in food drives, helping families in need, supporting many charitable causes, helping sponsor rec sports team and contributing to community events.

“I’m just that kind of an individual. I just really believe in giving back. I was raised that way, and it’s really important to me,” Beyersdorf said of his contributions.

For Natale Stella, 67, of Bonney Lake, the Auburn Sons of Italy is a special, tight-knit group willing to lend a hand.

“When there’s something the community needs, our organization has always responded,” said Stella, who served in the Navy and did two tours of duty during the Vietnam War era aboard the carriers USS Enterprise and USS Ranger.

Stella was 5 when he immigrated from Italy to the U.S. in 1953, one of five children. He went to school, learned the language and eventually joined the Navy as a way to get an education and learn a skill.

After he fulfilled his service, Stella became a U.S. citizen, established roots in the Pacific Northwest and worked 36 years on diesel locomotives for Burlington Northern.

Stella has never forgotten his native country, and today continues to serve the community and be a part of the Sons of Italy. He appreciate the group and what it represents and brings to others.

“When we get together, the culture’s there, the friendship,” Stella said. “It goes beyond friendship, really. It’s more like family getting together.”

PHOTO BELOW:

Ronnie Beyersdorf, an active member of the Auburn Sons of Italy, Lodge 1955, continues to serve the community in many ways. MARK KLAAS, Auburn Reporter