The first Veteran’s Day Parade in Auburn, Nov. 11 1918. Photo courtesy of Mary Jane Popp

AUBURN, CA (MPG) – It’s the oldest Veteran’s Day parade in the state of California. Can you guess where? How about Auburn? The WWII Armistice Agreement (that’s what they called it back then) was signed in France Nov. 11, 1918. Veterans in Auburn were elated and threw together the first Armistice Day parade to happen on exactly the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour. It was an incredible happening. And except for two years, 1941 and 1942, because people were so scared as to what was happening after Pearl Harbor, it resumed in 1943. Armistice Day became Veterans Day after WWII and the Korean War with President Dwight D. Eisenhower signing legislation changing the name.

Auburn has had a parade complete with a ceremony that includes the National Anthem, a 21-gun salute, military vehicles, a grande marshal and a flyover featuring fixed wing planes or biplanes which are historically from the 1930’s and used throughout aviation history. And what a spectacle it will be. The Placer High School Marching Band will be in the parade this year. A student from the Placer High School Choir will sing the National Anthem. Yours truly will be the Mistress of Ceremonies, and KAHI will be there to cover all the pomp and circumstance. Here’s hoping the turnout will be spectacular to honor those men and women who keep our country safe and free. Here’s the agenda for the 106th annual Veteran’s Day parade honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This year’s theme is “Home of the Free Because of the Brave.” And it all began with a hastily organized parade Nov. 11, 1918. Come and enjoy all the highlights.

The memorial coin to be given to the first 500 veterans on Nov. 11. Photo courtesy of Mary Jane Popp

Pancake breakfast will be hosted by the Auburn Jeep Club free for veterans and $5.00 for general public at 8 a.m. The Parade Step-Off is at 10:50 a.m. featuring entries proudly announced by yours truly Mary Jane Popp from KAHI. The Ceremonial Pause will begin at 11 a.m. a brief ceremony at Central Square featuring the National Anthem, a three-volley rifle salute by the Auburn Area honor Guard, Taps played by Placer High School students and a bagpipe performance of Amazing Grace.

The parade concludes at the Gold Country Fairgrounds (Placer Building) with complimentary pizza, cookies, chips and drinks.

All military veterans are invited to walk or ride in the parade with transportation provided for those who need assistance. And here’s a special honor so deserved. The first 500 veterans—whether marching or watching—will receive a commemorative a “250 Years of Service” Medal.

Let’s make this the biggest and proudest Veteran’s Day parade Auburn has ever seen. I know I will be there so proud of my late husband who was a Vietnam Veteran and retired a Lt Colonel. All the men and women, today and those who have passed on, deserve the honor for us to truly have “Home of the Free Because of the Brave.” God bless them all!