The Auburn Veterans Day Parade — one of the oldest and largest tributes to U.S. veterans in the country — returns to downtown Auburn, Washington, on Saturday, November 8, 2025. This year’s event marks the 59th annual parade, drawing thousands of spectators, veterans, active-duty service members, and families to celebrate and honor the nation’s heroes.
Organized by the City of Auburn, the parade remains a proud Pacific Northwest tradition, featuring more than 200 parade entries, including military units, marching bands, veteran organizations, community floats, and classic military vehicles.
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A Historic Legacy of Honor and Community
The Auburn Veterans Day Parade has a rich history that dates back to 1965, when local leaders launched it to recognize the sacrifices of U.S. service members. Over the decades, it has grown into a nationally recognized event — earning Auburn the title of “America’s Veterans Day City” by the U.S. Veterans Affairs Office.
Today, Auburn’s parade stands among the largest Veterans Day observances in the nation, celebrating service across all branches of the military.
Each year, the event takes place on the Saturday before Veterans Day, ensuring that active-duty personnel, veterans, and families from across the region can attend before local observances on November 11.
Parade Route, Schedule, and Viewing Areas (2025)
The 2025 Auburn Veterans Day Parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. PT on Main Street, starting near E Street NE and traveling west through downtown Auburn before concluding at Auburn High School.
The parade route will span about one mile, lined with viewing areas, food vendors, and community booths. City officials recommend arriving early, as streets will close for staging at 9:00 a.m.
Event Highlights:
- Opening Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. at Auburn Veterans Memorial Park (405 E Street NE).
- Parade Start: 11:00 a.m. sharp.
- Flyover Tribute: A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) will perform a ceremonial flyover, weather permitting.
- Closing Remarks: 1:30 p.m. at Auburn City Hall Plaza.
Parking will be available at Auburn Station and designated lots along A Street SE, with shuttle services running between parking areas and the parade route.
Who’s Participating in 2025
This year’s parade lineup features over 200 entries and 5,000 participants, making it one of the largest community gatherings in King County.
Notable participants include:
- Active-duty and reserve units from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).
- Honor guards representing the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
- The Washington National Guard’s 133rd Army Band.
- More than 30 high school marching bands from across Washington state.
- Gold Star families and local veteran support organizations.
- Military vehicle collectors displaying vintage World War II jeeps and armored trucks.
The 2025 Grand Marshal is Colonel (Ret.) Lisa Montero, a 30-year U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and now leads veteran outreach initiatives in the Pacific Northwest.
Additional Veterans Day Weekend Events in Auburn
The Auburn Veterans Day Parade is part of a full weekend of activities designed to honor those who served.
1. Veterans Day Remembrance Ceremony
- When: Friday, November 7, 2025 – 9:30 a.m.
- Where: Auburn Veterans Memorial Park.
- Details: A solemn service with wreath-laying, guest speakers, and the playing of “Taps.”
2. Static Display & Exhibit Showcase
- When: Saturday, November 8, 2025 – 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Where: South Division Street near City Hall.
- Details: Visitors can explore restored military vehicles, historical artifacts, and exhibits from local museums and military units.
3. Auburn Community Breakfast
- When: Saturday, November 8, 2025 – 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
- Where: Auburn Senior Activity Center.
- Details: Hosted by the American Legion Post 78, featuring a hot breakfast and tributes to local veterans.
4. Veterans Tribute Marching Band Competition
- When: Saturday, November 8, 2025 – 2:00 p.m.
- Where: Auburn Memorial Stadium.
- Details: High school bands that performed in the parade will compete in a musical showcase judged by professional conductors.
City of Auburn’s Commitment to Veterans
Auburn’s dedication to its veteran community extends beyond the parade. The city has long invested in programs supporting military families, including housing resources, mental health outreach, and educational opportunities.
Mayor Nancy Backus, who has led Auburn since 2014, reaffirmed the city’s ongoing commitment to veterans during her 2025 pre-parade address:
“Our community’s gratitude runs deep. The Auburn Veterans Day Parade is more than an event — it’s a living tribute to courage, service, and sacrifice. Every flag waved and every cheer heard is a reminder that we stand together in honoring our heroes.”
The city’s Veterans and Human Services Office partners year-round with the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) and local nonprofits to provide resources like employment assistance and healthcare navigation for veterans and their families.
Traffic and Safety Information
With thousands of attendees expected, the City of Auburn has announced several road closures and safety measures for parade day.
Road Closures (9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.):
- Main Street (from E Street NE to Auburn Way South)
- East Main Street (near Auburn High School)
- A Street NE (limited access for local traffic only)
Tips for Parade-Goers:
- Arrive by 9:30 a.m. for the best seating spots.
- Bring weather-appropriate clothing — November temperatures in Auburn average mid-40s°F.
- Respect designated ADA viewing zones for disabled attendees.
- Keep pets leashed and away from the parade route.
Emergency services, including Auburn Police and Valley Regional Fire Authority, will be stationed throughout downtown to ensure public safety.
Auburn’s National Recognition as “America’s Veterans Day City”
In 2016, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs formally recognized Auburn as America’s Veterans Day City, citing its decades-long commitment to honoring veterans.
The city’s efforts include hosting annual parades, building memorials, and offering educational programming in local schools to teach students about military history and service.
This recognition places Auburn alongside other major national observances such as those in New York City, San Diego, and Washington, D.C., cementing its status as a leading destination for Veterans Day commemorations in the western United States.
Community and Volunteer Involvement
Behind every successful parade is a strong network of volunteers. The 2025 Auburn Veterans Day Parade is powered by more than 300 community volunteers, many of whom are veterans themselves.
Volunteer roles include parade marshals, route monitors, event setup crews, and hospitality teams assisting marching participants. The city encourages high school students, local scout troops, and civic groups to take part, reinforcing Auburn’s strong sense of civic pride.
Why Auburn’s Parade Matters
For the Auburn community, the Veterans Day Parade is not only a celebration but a reminder of shared values — honor, duty, and gratitude.
Veterans attending the event often describe it as a deeply emotional experience. The sound of drums, the waving of flags, and the smiles from the crowd symbolize the nation’s continued respect for those who served.
The event also connects generations. Young attendees see veterans not as distant figures from history books, but as living examples of courage and service.
How to Watch the Parade
If you can’t attend in person, the 2025 Auburn Veterans Day Parade will be broadcast live by Auburn’s Channel 21 and streamed online via the City of Auburn’s official website and YouTube channel.
Viewers across the U.S. can tune in to watch the event live beginning at 10:45 a.m. PT, with full coverage of the opening ceremony, parade procession, and closing remarks.
Rebroadcasts will be available throughout the weekend for those who miss the live stream.
Looking Ahead: Auburn’s Continuing Legacy of Gratitude
As the 2025 Auburn Veterans Day Parade steps off once again, it carries forward a nearly six-decade tradition of community, remembrance, and unity.
For Auburn residents, honoring veterans isn’t limited to one weekend a year — it’s a core part of the city’s identity. Through every marching band note and every salute given, Auburn continues to embody the true spirit of America’s Veterans Day.
Will you be attending this year’s Auburn Veterans Day Parade? Share your favorite memories or tag your parade photos in the comments below — your story helps keep this proud tradition alive.
