When is Veterans Day and why do we celebrate it? (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)

Veterans Day is a federal holiday celebrated every year on November 11, a date that goes back to World War I (WWI).

What is Veteran’s Day about?

Known as “The Great War,” World War I (WWI) began in July 1914 and officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed in France on June 28, 1919. However, seven months earlier the Allied nations and Germany had agreed to a temporary cease fire–or armistice–at 11:00 AM on November 11. So, November 11 is unofficially the end of the “war to end all wars”.

In 1926, Congress passed a resolution making November 11 an annual observance and “Armistice Day” was celebrated for a few decades.

In 1953, following World War II and the Korean War, the day was changed from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor U.S. veterans and victims of all wars. It is one of the national holidays that has not changed to a Monday. Observing Veterans Day on November 11 preserves the historical significance of the date and its purpose: to honor American veterans and acknowledge their sacrifice for our freedom. More info: World War I | Key Facts | Britannica

While Veterans Day is always recognized on November 11, when Veterans Day falls on a weekday, many parades and other events may take place on the nearest weekend. Restaurant and retails discounts are another recognition and may occur on November 11, the nearest weekend, or for an entire week.

Listed below are the major annual Veteran’s Day parades in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. More Veterans Day events can be found on our event calendar. If you are looking for Veterans Day discount meals and deals, see our list of Veterans Day free meals and shopping discounts.

Auburn Veterans Day Parade

The city of Auburn hosts the Puget Sound regions biggest Veterans parade every year on Saturday on or before Veterans Day, November 11. Auburn, Washington is designated by the Veterans Day National Committee and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a Regional Site for the celebration of Veterans Day and is also a Vietnam War Commemorative Partner. The city has hosted our region’s Veterans Day Parade since 1965. Auburn is located 25 miles south of Seattle, just east of I-5 on Highway 18.

The Auburns Veterans Parade & Observance honor our country’s military personnel and veterans and their missions of defending freedom around the world. The parade features the congressionally recognized Veteran Service Organizations and their auxiliaries: the military and reserve military, National Guard, and ROTC.

The Auburn parade takes place the Saturday before Veterans Day and has grown into one of the largest parades of its kind in the United States. It’s a full day beginning with a pancake breakfast, ceremonial lighting of the flame, and military exhibits, plus the huuuuuuuuuuge parade. The parade typically boasts over 200 units and nearly 6,000 parade participants, including 25+ marching bands, antique military vehicles, veterans’ units, honor guards and more.

The day-long activities (PDF) run from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The parade typically begins at 11:00 AM. Spectators are advised to arrive early, bring a folding chair, a flag, their best salute, and plenty of tissue. The parade route travels along Main Street from E Street to A Street NW/SW. More info: Special Events – City of Auburn (auburnwa.gov)

Mill Creek Veterans Day Commemoration & Parade

The City of Mill Creek hosts an annual Veterans Day Events including a commemorative ceremony and parade. More info: City of Mill Creek (millcreekwa.gov)

Veterans Day Commemorative Ceremony: Monday, November 11, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. in Library Park (15429 Bothell Everett Hwy) includes raising of the colors.

Veterans Day Parade: Monday, November 11, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. The parade route runs along Main Street south from L.A. Fitness (15024 Main Street) to City Hall (15728 Main Street) and will last approximately one hour. The parade will feature military and high school bands, color guards, vintage & military vehicles, and community organizations, including Veterans and their families.

Skagit County Veterans Day Parade in Burlington

The Skagit County Veterans Day Parade & Flyover takes place along Fairhaven Ave in Downtown Burlington. Other festivities take place throughout the day. More info: Community Events in Burlington | Burlington, WA – Official Website (burlingtonwa.gov)