Mill Creek Veterans Day Parade (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)

Here’s our list of Veteran’s Day parades and other commemorative events in Seattle and around the Puget Sound region. If you are looking for Veteran discounts and deals, see our list of Veterans Day free meals and shopping discounts.

About Veteran’s Day

Veterans Day is celebrated every year on November 11, a date that goes back to World War I (WWI). Known as “The Great War,” WWI officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed in France on June 28, 1919. However, seven months earlier the Allied nations and Germany had agreed to a temporary cease fire–or armistice–at 11:00 AM on November 11. So, November 11 is unofficially the end of the “war to end all wars”. In 1926, Congress passed a resolution making it an annual observance and “Armistice Day” was celebrated for a few decades.

In 1953, following World War II and the Korean War, the day was changed from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor U.S. veterans and victims of all wars. It is one of the national holidays that has not changed to a Monday. Observing Veterans Day on November 11 preserves the historical significance of the date and its purpose: to honor American veterans and acknowledge their sacrifice for our freedom.

While Veterans Day is always recognized on November 11, when Veterans Day falls on a weekday, many parades and other events may take place on the nearest weekend. Retails discounts are another recognition and may occur on November 11, the nearest weekend, or for an entire week.

2014 Auburn Veterans Day Parade photo Joint Services Support Washington National Guard (CC2)

Auburn Veterans Day Parade

Auburn, Washington hosts the Puget Sound regions biggest Veterans parade every year on Saturday on or before Veterans Day, November 11. It’s a full day beginning with a pancake breakfast, ceremonial lighting of the flame, military exhibits, and a huuuuuuuuuuge parade. Auburn is designated by the Veterans Day National Committee and the US Department of Veterans Affairs as a Regional Site for celebration of Veterans Day. The City of Auburn is also proud to be a Vietnam War Commemorative Partner. Get all the details for the region’s biggest Veterans Day parade on our Auburn Veterans parade page.

Mill Creek Veterans Day Commemoration & Parade

The City of Mill Creek hosts an annual Veterans Day Events. Veterans Day Commemorative Ceremony: Friday November 10, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. in Library Park (15429 Bothell Everett Hwy) includes raising of the colors. Veterans Day Parade: Friday November 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. along Main Street south from L.A. Fitness (15024 Main Street) to City Hall (15728 Main Street) and will last approximately one hour. The parade will feature military and high school bands, color guards, vintage & military vehicles, and community organizations, including Veterans and their families. More info: City of Mill Creek (millcreekwa.gov)

Skagit County Veterans Day Parade in Burlington

The Skagit County Veterans Day Parade & Flyover will take place alon Fairhaven Ave in Downtown Burlington on Saturday, November 11, 2023 beginning at 11am. Before the parade, enjoy a Pancake Breakfast from 8-10am at the Burlington Community/Senior Center (1011 Greenleaf Ave)—FREE to Military Veterans and by donation for all others. After the parade, there is a Soup & Sandwich Luncheon: 12-1pm—FREE to Military Veterans and by donation for all others. More info: Skagit County Veterans Day Parade | Burlington, WA – Official Website (burlingtonwa.gov).

Other commemorative events, such as flag ceremonies, wreath laying, music, and speeches are listed in our event calendar below.

But wait, there’s more!