Kristy Pachciarz
253-931-3052
kpachciarz@auburnwa.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 12, 2010
Parade set for Nov. 6 at 11 a.m.; other special activities to recognize veterans scheduled
AUBURN, Wash. – October 12, 2010 - Flags, families and thousands of veterans will line Main Street in Auburn for the mile-long Veterans Day Parade to be held on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 11 a.m. It will proceed west on Main from E Street SE to A Street NW near Auburn City Hall over a period of approximately two hours. The 2010 Veterans Day Parade will pay special tribute to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Bill Peloza, Commander of Auburn VFW Post #1741, as appointed by the State Commander of the VFW Jerry Herker, 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 45th year. The National Veterans Day Committee and the US Department of Defense have once again selected the City of Auburn as one of the few Regional Sites for Veterans Day Observance in 2010.
Preceded by a military C-17 fly-over from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the parade boasts approximately 200 units showcasing American strength of will, endurance and purpose. The parade will feature over 30 high school marching bands, as well as local Junior ROTC units, honor guards, military units and antique military vehicles. Spectators will also enjoy the procession of veteran units, drill teams, community and scouting groups, intermixed with floats, antique and classic cars and other entries of interest.
Spectators are advised to arrive early, bring a folding chair, a flag, their best salute and plenty of tissue. There will also be many other events in Auburn to celebrate and honor Veterans:
Vietnam Veterans Traveling Wall Exhibit
Thursday, Nov. 4 – Sunday, Nov. 7 – Open 24 Hours, Veterans Memorial Park, 411 E St. NE
Visit this unforgettable exhibit that pays tribute to the men and women who served in the US Armed Forces during the Vietnam conflict. Make plans to visit the half-scale replica of the Washington, DC-based Vietnam Memorial Wall during the limited time it is in Auburn. The wall contains 58,249 names of those killed or missing in action from the conflict. The exhibit includes a 53’ museum and computers with databases available to help located names on the wall. Exhibit is open to all ages and groups are welcome and encouraged.
American Legion Post #78 Breakfast
Saturday, Nov. 6, 7 – 9:30 a.m., 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 Street SE, on Saturday, Nov. 6 from 7 - 9:30 a.m. A generous breakfast for $6 includes pancakes, eggs, ham and juice or coffee.
Static Display and Exhibit Showcase
Saturday, Nov. 6, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., South Division Street (perpendicular to parade route)
Displays and information booths will fill South Division Street, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6. These displays may include military vehicles and equipment and informational booths relating to veterans and the military. Scheduled to participate in the Exhibit Showcase is, among others, the United States Army, Soldiers’ Angels Washington, the United States Army Reserve – 301st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and Vets Meet Vets.
Veterans Remembrance Ceremony and Lighting of the Flame
Saturday, Nov. 6, 9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m., Veterans Memorial Park
This special ceremony will take place on Nov. 6 from 9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. at Auburn’s Veterans Memorial Park, 411 E Street 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.
Veterans Day Marching Band Competition
Saturday, Nov. 6, 1 – 10 p.m., 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 charged at the stadium gate (discount ticket prices available for students, children and seniors).
Auburn Noon Lions Veterans Day Luncheon
Saturday, Nov. 6, 1:30 p.m., Truitt Building
This annual luncheon, hosted by the Auburn Noon Lions Club and the City of Auburn will pay special tribute to the VFW and recognize the Outstanding Service to Veterans Program, as awarded by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. The luncheon will be held on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 1:30 p.m. at the Truitt Building, 102 West Main Street on the 2nd Floor. This is a limited seating event - reserve your seat today for $15 per person by calling 253-931-3043.
VFW Auburn Post #1741 Open House
Saturday, Nov. 6, 3 – 5 p.m., VFW Post #1741
The VFW Auburn Post #1741 would like to honor all veterans on Saturday, Nov. 6, by hosting an Open House. The event will run from 3 - 5 p.m. at the VFW, located at 1525 A Street NE, Suite 107.
For more information about the 45th 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.
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City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation
910 Ninth Street SE
Auburn WA 98002
253-931-3043
www.auburnwa.gov
Complete event information
