The city of Auburn, Washington is located 25 miles south of Seattle, just east of I-5 on Highway 18. Auburn is designated by the Veterans Day National Committee and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a Regional Site for the celebration of Veterans Day. Auburn is also a Vietnam War Commemorative Partner.
Auburn has hosted the Veterans Parade since 1965. The Auburn parade takes place the Saturday before Veterans Day, November 11 and has grown into one of the largest parades of its kind in the United States of America.
The Auburns Veterans Parade & Observance serve to honor to our country’s military personnel and veterans and their missions of defending freedom around the world. The parade features the congressionally-recognized Veteran Service Organizations and their auxiliaries, the military and reserve military, National Guard, and ROTC.
2019 Auburn Veterans Parade
The 2019 Auburn Veterans Parade parade boasts over 200 units and nearly 6,000 parade participants, including 25+ high school marching bands, military vehicles, veterans’ units, honor guards, and more.
The 54th annual Veterans Parade will be held in Auburn on Saturday, November 9, 2019 beginning at 11:00 AM. The parade route travels along Main Street from E Street to A Street SW/NW.
Other Veterans Day events in Auburn
- Breakfast is organized by American Legion Auburn Post #78 on Saturday, November 9 from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM at the Auburn Senior Activity Center. Reservations required, $8/person.
- Remembrance Ceremony and Lighting of the Flame on Saturday, November 9 from 9:45 AM – 10:15 AM . The flame is lit and guarded through the night at the Veterans Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park, 411 E Street NE. Wreath placement, rifle salute, prayers and taps encompass this ceremony, held from
- Displays and exhibits of military vehicles and equipment, veterans and service members, and armed services information will be located on South Division Street from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
- Curb Competition for entries that want to honor veterans, but don’t meet the requirements to participate in the parade. Registration is required; an application must be submitted and approved in order to participate. The competition takes place along the parade route on Main Street between Auburn Ave A Street SE to E Street NE. Judging is held from 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM. Awards will be given in three categories: Best Curb Appeal, Most Patriotic, and Best Salute to Veterans.
- Marching Band Competition. The state’s largest marching band and field competition starts at 1:00 PM at the Auburn Memorial Stadium, 801 Fourth Street NE. Over 30 bands compete. Event admission is charged at the door. Adults $15, Students (6-17)/Seniors (62+) $10.
- Lions Veterans Luncheon on Saturday, November 9 from 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM at Merrill Gardens, 18 1st Street SE (two blocks from the end of the parade route). Reservations required; for additional information or to reserve seats by phone, call 253-931-3043.
- VFW Open House. Come mix, meet, and mingle with fellow Veterans at the Auburn VFW Post #1741’s, 1525 A Street NE from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Food and refreshments will be served.
For more information about the Auburn Veterans Parade and related events, visit the Auburn, WA special events calendar.
And check our list for more Veterans Day parades and commemorative events around the Puget Sound region.
