Auburn Veterans Parade
The chapter will be bringing the UH-1 to tow through downtown Auburn in the annual Veterans Parade on Saturday, November 9th, 2019. This is the largest Veterans parade west of the Mississippi. It includes both active, reserve, and commemorative military units and vehicles, and dozens of marching bands. In the past, the crowds have been most appreciative of our members and their contributions. Thanks to the VHPA volunteers who have generously donated the tow vehicle, and to the Olympic Flight Museum who provide the aircraft.
The day’s schedule includes:
0800–0900 (Optional) $6 Pancake breakfast hosted by the the American Legion at the Auburn Senior Center (888 Ninth Street). From highway 18, take the Auburn Way South Exit, turn left onto Auburn Way S. At the next stop light, (F Street and 9th St. SE), turn left onto 9th and proceed two blocks east to the Auburn Senior Center. It’s adjacent to Les Grove Park.
0930: Proceed to the holding area located at H Street SE and E. Main. We will perform last-minute preparations and hold a brief meeting. We will be taking a chapter picture at the end of the meeting. Please wear VHPA-WA jackets, and shirts, and caps or former military unit caps.
1100: The parade commences. Those unable to march ahead of the aircraft are encouraged to ride in the tow vehicle or aboard the UH-1.
At the end of the march, members are encouraged to help disassemble the signage and make the aircraft ready to travel back to the museum.
For more information, contact Pat Staeheli (253) 859-4185.
| For complete details about Auburn’s Veterans Parade and Observance, visit www.auburnwa.gov/vetsday Saturday, November 9 11:00 a.m. – Auburn’s 54th Annual Veterans Parade Main Street | Downtown Auburn Flags, families and thousands of veterans will line Main Street in Auburn for the 2019 Veterans Parade. The Parade proceeds west on Main from E St. SE to A St. NW near Auburn City Hall over a period of approximately two and a half hours. The parade boasts over 200 entries and nearly 6,000 parade participants showcasing American strength of will, endurance and purpose. The crowd will be treated to patriotic music from over 25 marching bands including America’s First Corps Band from JBLM and Navy Band Northwest. The parade will feature local Junior ROTC units, honor guards and military units. 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. Be on the lookout for antique military vehicles including a UH-1H Huey helicopter fuselage, a PBR, a replica submarine and Nimitz aircraft carrier. Spectators are advised to arrive early, bring a folding chair, a flag, their best salute and plenty of tissue. Thank you to the Muckleshoot Casino and TriWest Healthcare Alliance for their generous support of the parade. Media support courtesy of KOMO 4, KOMO News Radio AM 1000/97.7 FM and Talk Radio 570 KVI. Other activities on Saturday, November 9 7:00-9:30 a.m. – American Legion Community Breakfast Auburn Senior Activity Center | 808 Ninth Street SE The breakfast is co-sponsored by the American Legion Post #78 and the City of Auburn. The breakfast is $8/person and includes pancakes, eggs, ham and juice or coffee. 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.- Static Display & Exhibit Showcase South Division St. & A Street SE | Downtown Auburn Displays, booths, food, military equipment, military vehicles and veterans and/or military information. 9:45-10:15 a.m. – Remembrance Ceremony and Lighting of the Flame Veterans Memorial Park | 411 E Street NE The flame is lit and guarded through the night at the Veterans Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park,. Wreath placement, rifle salute, prayers and taps encompass this special ceremony held just prior to the Parade. 1:00-10:00 p.m. – Veterans Day High School Marching Band Competition Auburn Memorial Stadium | 801 Fourth Street NE The state’s largest marching band and field competition, hosted by the Auburn High School Band & Choir Parents, showcases over 25 bands competing in the field competition. Awards and full band retreat at 9:30pm. Event admission is charged at the door. 1:00-5:00 p.m. – Auburn VFW Post #1741 Open House Auburn VFW | 1525 A Street NE, Ste. 107 The Auburn VFW Post #1741 invites all Veterans to come mix, meet and mingle with fellow Veterans. Food and refreshments will be served. 1:30-3:00 p.m. – Auburn Noon Lions Veterans Day Luncheon Merrill Gardens at Auburn | 18 1st Street SE The luncheon is co-sponsored by the Auburn Noon Lions Club and the City of Auburn. Pre-reservations are $15/person and includes a variety of pastas, salad, rolls, desert and beverages. The lunch program honors our Veterans, with special recognition given to our dignitaries in attendance. The Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee’s Outstanding Veterans will be honored at the lunch, along with other special presentations. For additional information or to reserve seats by phone, call 253-931-3043. Stay in Auburn We have worked with local hotels to offer special rates for the Nov. 8-10 weekend. Please note: to receive the special rate, you must call for reservations and tell the hotel you are in town for the Auburn Veterans Parade. For a full list of all Auburn hotels, visit www.exploreauburn.com. Best Western Plus Mountain View Auburn Inn | 253-887-7600 $109/night Clarion Hotel Auburn & RK Bar+Bistro | 253-833-7171 $79/night (Single); $84/night (2 Queen Beds) plus tax. Check with hotel about other discounts during this event weekend. Red Lion Inn | 253-735-9600 $79/night (Single King or 2 Queens) For complete details about Auburn’s Veterans Parade and Observance, visit www.auburnwa.gov/vetsday |
