COVID-19 has upended Auburn’s annual Veterans Day Parade, compelling the city of Auburn to make major adjustments to the event.
While the city will be unable to host the regular parade down Main Street, it will offer a week full of events to celebrate the men and women who have served and continue to do so.
Here is a schedule of the planned activities for 2020.
Saturday, Nov. 7
Veterans vehicle procession 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting from Veterans Memorial Park, 411 E. St. NE.
The city has changed the traditional Veterans Day Parade to a veterans-vehicle-only procession, which will give participants and spectators a chance to participate. The route is nearly 3 miles long and will allow spectators to spread out and maintain their social distance as they catch the procession.
Participation in the procession is meant for veterans, active military organizations and personnel, veterans service organizations, living history groups, antique military vehicles and other veteran-related groups. Procession participants will do a drive-through check-in at Veterans Memorial Park and enter the procession route.
Procession participants must follow the pre-defined route along with all street lights, street signs, speed limits and general rules of the road. Participants will receive an item during the drive-through check-in that will help identify their vehicles as part of the procession so spectators can easily identify and cheer them on. Each individual vehicle is required to pre-register to participate in the procession.
Registration deadline is Oct. 19.
Community groups, service clubs, scout troops, car clubs and others that typically participate in the traditional parade should consider registering as a group spectator. Registered groups will be assigned a specific area along the route and follow any physical-distancing guidelines in place. Groups are encouraged to make signs, decorate their assigned area, and support the veterans.
Individual spectators do not need to register but will be required to follow all social distancing and mask guidance in effect at the time of the procession. After the registration closes on Oct. 19, all procession participants and group spectators will receive additional information.
Sunday, Nov. 8
Virtual Veterans Tribute Program Airing at 6:30 p.m. This virtual program will include live performances, patriotic music, inspirational stories and a walk down memory lane. The program will be showcased on all of Auburn’s social media outlets at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 8.
Monday, Nov. 9
Virtual Veterans Museum Showcase A compiled a list of virtual exhibits at local and national veterans museums, along with a handful of local artifacts and historical stories curated by Auburn’s own White River Valley Museum. Links and details will be found at auburnwa.gov/vetsday and Auburn’s social media channels.
Tuesday, Nov. 10
Sweet Treats for Vets (sponsored in part by the Auburn Noon Lions) 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth Street SE (free drive-through event). Coffee and cinnamon rolls for veterans and active military, along with a momentum from the Auburn Garden Club. This drive-through event will be hosted a the Auburn Senior Activity Center. The Auburn Noon Lions Club is sponsoring this event. Guests are required to complete a simple registration form to guarantee their spot for this free event.
Wednesday, Nov. 11
Virtual Remembrance Ceremony Airing at 11 a.m. A pre-recorded ceremony from Auburn’s Veterans Memorial Park.
Additional details related to the “Salute to Veterans” schedule of events continues to be refined. Check the city’s website at auburnwa.gov/vetsday.


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