The Auburn Veterans Day Parade returns to downtown Auburn, Washington, this weekend, marking one of the most anticipated patriotic events of the year. Known as America’s longest-running Veterans Day celebration, Auburn’s annual parade stands as a moving tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and service of U.S. military veterans and their families.
Now in its 59th year, the 2025 event will take place on Saturday, November 8, two days before the official Veterans Day holiday. The parade will bring together thousands of spectators, veterans, community groups, and military personnel in what has become a proud Washington State tradition.Auburn Veterans Day Parade 2025
A Historic Tribute: Auburn’s Legacy of Veterans Day Celebrations
The Auburn Veterans Day Parade began in 1965, started by local civic leaders who wanted to create a way for residents to show appreciation for returning service members. Over the decades, the event grew from a small-town march into a nationally recognized celebration.
In 2016, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs officially designated Auburn as “America’s Veterans Day City,” recognizing its unwavering commitment to honoring veterans year after year.
The parade reflects the city’s identity — one deeply rooted in patriotism, respect, and community togetherness. Today, Auburn’s Veterans Day celebration ranks among the largest in the United States, often drawing comparisons to major events in San Diego, Washington D.C., and New York City.
Parade Details and Route Information (2025)
The 2025 Auburn Veterans Day Parade begins promptly at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Main Street, proceeding through Auburn’s historic downtown district.
Route Map Overview:
- Starting Point: E Street NE near Auburn Memorial Park
- Ending Point: Auburn High School on East Main Street
- Length: Approximately one mile through the heart of downtown
Spectators are encouraged to arrive early, as street closures and staging will begin at 9:00 a.m. The city will provide shuttle buses from major parking areas, including Auburn Station, A Street SE, and the Auburn SuperMall area.
Parade Timeline:
- 7:00–9:30 a.m.: Community Pancake Breakfast at Auburn Senior Activity Center
- 9:30 a.m.: Pre-parade ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park
- 10:45 a.m.: Flyover tribute featuring a C-17 Globemaster from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM)
- 11:00 a.m.: Parade kickoff
- 1:30 p.m.: Closing ceremony and acknowledgments at City Hall Plaza
Spectator viewing zones will line both sides of Main Street, with designated ADA-accessible areas for disabled guests and veterans.Auburn Veterans Day Parade 2025
2025 Theme: “Honoring Those Who Paved the Way”
Each year, the City of Auburn selects a theme that highlights a unique aspect of military service. For 2025, the theme — “Honoring Those Who Paved the Way” — focuses on veterans from earlier generations whose dedication built the foundation for today’s armed forces.
The theme emphasizes intergenerational appreciation, bridging the experiences of World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam veterans with those of more recent service members from Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond.
Mayor Nancy Backus shared in her Veterans Day message:
“Our parade is not just about celebration — it’s about connection. We honor those who served before us, ensuring their courage and commitment are never forgotten.”
Grand Marshal and Featured Honorees
The Grand Marshal for the 2025 parade is Colonel (Ret.) Lisa Montero, a decorated 30-year Army veteran who served tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Now the Director of Veteran Outreach for the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), Montero has dedicated her post-service career to supporting veteran mental health and community reintegration.
“Leading this parade is an honor beyond words,” Montero said earlier this week. “Auburn represents what America’s communities can achieve when they come together to respect and remember.”
This year’s event will also spotlight Gold Star Families, honoring parents and spouses who lost loved ones in service to the nation.
Participants and Parade Highlights
With more than 200 participating groups and an estimated 5,000 marchers, the 2025 Auburn Veterans Day Parade promises a spectacular lineup that combines patriotism, pageantry, and music.
Confirmed participants include:
- Active-duty and reserve units from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM)
- U.S. Navy and Coast Guard color guards
- Washington National Guard’s 133rd Army Band
- Over 30 high school marching bands from across Washington
- American Legion, VFW, and Disabled American Veterans chapters
- Auburn Police and Fire Department honor contingents
- Restored World War II military vehicles and Vietnam-era jeeps
- Local Scouting troops and youth groups honoring service members with handmade banners
The event will conclude with a special “Pass in Review” ceremony, where veterans seated in the grandstands receive salutes from each marching group.
Community Events Surrounding the Parade
Auburn’s Veterans Day weekend is about more than the parade itself. The city coordinates several companion events to educate, engage, and celebrate the community.
1. Veterans Memorial Ceremony
- When: Friday, November 7, 2025, 9:30 a.m.
- Where: Auburn Veterans Memorial Park, 405 E Street NE
- Details: A solemn remembrance ceremony featuring wreath presentations, a 21-gun salute, and musical performances by the Auburn High School Choir.
2. Static Display & Exhibit Showcase
- When: Saturday, November 8, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
- Where: South Division Street near City Hall
- Details: Visitors can explore historical military vehicles, museum exhibits, and hands-on educational activities for children.
3. Marching Band Competition
- When: Saturday, November 8, 2:00 p.m.
- Where: Auburn Memorial Stadium
- Details: The competition features top high school marching bands that performed in the parade earlier in the day, with awards for musical excellence and showmanship.
4. Veterans Resource Fair
- When: Sunday, November 9, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Where: Auburn Community Center
- Details: Hosted by the WDVA, this fair connects veterans with healthcare, housing, and employment services.
Traffic Control and Safety Measures
With tens of thousands expected downtown, Auburn officials have issued updated traffic and safety guidelines to ensure a smooth experience for all attendees.
Road Closures (9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.):
- Main Street between E Street NE and Auburn Way South
- A Street NE limited to local traffic
- E Street NE near Memorial Park (staging zone)
Public Safety Information:
- On-site medical teams and first responders will be stationed along the route.
- Lost and found, as well as family reunification points, will be located near Auburn City Hall.
- Fireworks, alcohol, and drones are prohibited during the event.
Spectators are encouraged to use public transit via Sound Transit’s Auburn Station, located just two blocks from Main Street.
How Auburn Honors Its Veterans Year-Round
The Auburn Veterans Day Parade is the city’s most visible show of gratitude, but its support for veterans extends throughout the year.
Programs include:
- Veteran Housing Assistance: Working with the King County Housing Authority to secure affordable housing for low-income veterans.
- Education and Employment Outreach: Offering resume workshops and apprenticeship programs for transitioning service members.
- Mental Health and Wellness Initiatives: Partnering with the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs to provide counseling and support networks.
Auburn also hosts a Veterans Resource Center that serves as a year-round hub for assistance, mentorship, and referrals.
Volunteerism and Community Involvement
Behind the parade’s success is an army of volunteers — more than 300 residents, veterans, and civic group members work together to make the day possible.
Volunteer roles include:
- Parade marshals and route monitors
- Set-up and clean-up crews
- Accessibility coordinators
- Veteran hospitality teams
The city encourages local students and community members to volunteer, reinforcing the parade’s mission of unity and respect across generations.
Auburn’s National Recognition
Auburn’s Veterans Day Parade has received numerous national honors. In addition to the VA’s “Veterans Day City” designation, the parade was ranked among the Top 10 Veterans Day Events in the U.S. by several travel and civic organizations, including Travel Channel and Military.com.
Its longevity and civic engagement have made it a model for other cities seeking to build lasting Veterans Day traditions.
Why the Parade Matters
At its heart, the Auburn Veterans Day Parade is more than an annual event — it’s a reminder of the nation’s shared values of courage, service, and sacrifice.
For veterans, the parade provides an opportunity to reconnect with fellow service members and receive the gratitude of their community. For families, it serves as a teaching moment about patriotism and history.
Local resident James Porter, a Vietnam veteran who has marched in the parade for over 20 years, summed it up best:
“Every time I walk down Main Street in uniform and see those flags waving, I’m reminded that what we did mattered — and that people still care.”
How to Watch and Participate
Those unable to attend in person can catch the Auburn Veterans Day Parade 2025 via live broadcast on Auburn Channel 21 and online through the City of Auburn’s official YouTube channel.
Viewers can also participate by sharing photos, messages of support, and parade memories using the hashtag #AuburnVeteransDayParade on social media.
Applications for 2026 parade participants will open in March 2026 on the City of Auburn’s website, giving civic groups and veterans’ organizations ample time to prepare.
A City United in Gratitude
As the bands march, the flags wave, and veterans take their well-deserved bows, the Auburn Veterans Day Parade continues to embody the spirit of community pride and national appreciation. It stands as proof that even in changing times, America’s commitment to its service members remains steadfast.
For the people of Auburn, this parade isn’t just a yearly event — it’s a promise. A promise to never forget the sacrifices made and to always honor those who wore the uniform in defense of freedom.
Will you be attending the Auburn Veterans Day Parade this year? Share your favorite memories, photos, or tributes in the comments below — your story helps keep this proud American tradition alive for generations to come.