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Auburn’s Veterans Day Observance Continues Proud Tradition

Contact:
Kristy Pachciarz
253-931-3052
kpachciarz@auburnwa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 14, 2011

Parade set for Nov. 5 at 11 a.m.; other special activities to recognize veterans scheduled

08-Veterans Day 070 AUBURN, Wash. – October 14, 2011 - 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. 5 at 11 a.m. It will proceed west on Main St. from E St. SE to A St. NW near Auburn City Hall over a period of approximately two hours. The 2011 Veterans Day Parade will pay special tribute to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Ryan Nabors, Disabled State Commander of the DAV 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 46th 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 2011.

Preceded by a military C-17 fly-over from the US Air Force at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the parade boasts close to 200 entries showcasing American strength of will, endurance and purpose. The parade will feature over 30 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:

American Legion Post #78 Breakfast
Saturday, Nov. 5, 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. 5 from 7 - 9:30 a.m. A generous breakfast for $6 includes pancakes, eggs, ham and juice or coffee. Tickets available in advance or at the door.

Static Display and Exhibit Showcase
Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., A Street SE (perpendicular to parade route)
Displays and information booths will fill A Street SE, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5. 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, Vietnam Battlefield Tours, US Coast Guard, Friends of the American Lake Veterans Golf Course and Vets Meet Vets.

Veterans Remembrance Ceremony and Lighting of the Flame
Saturday, Nov.5, 9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m., Veterans Memorial Park
This special ceremony will take place on Nov. 5 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. 5, 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 from some of the best high school marching bands in the Pacific Northwest. Admission is charged at the stadium gate (discount ticket prices available for students, children and seniors).

Auburn Noon Lions Veterans Day Luncheon
Saturday, Nov. 5, 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 Disabled American Veterans 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. 5 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. 5, 3 – 5 p.m., VFW Post #1741
The VFW Auburn Post #1741 would like to honor all veterans on Saturday, Nov. 5, by hosting an Open House. The event will run from 3 - 5 p.m. at the Auburn VFW, located at 1525 A Street NE, Suite 107.

For more information about the 46th 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