2014 Auburn Veterans Day Parade

“No, don’t take pictures. Just enjoy the parade.” Ha, that didn’t last. I couldn’t help myself. The annual Veterans Day Parade in Auburn, Washington is so rich with culture, color, and camaraderie that I used the old point and shoot to capture a lot of what we saw.

Someday I’ll get an expensive camera. Someday I’ll upgrade my blog so that these will display as a slideshow rather than one big long post. Right now I want to give you some windows into Main Street on Saturday, November 8th, 2014. It did not rain, the wind was still, and the brisk chill that had kicked off the morning dissipated as a hazy sun rose in the cloud-mottled sky.

I show you these pictures to remind you that freedom isn’t free. The freedom we have as Americans was bought by others’ blood, sweat, and sacrifices. These are the veterans who, by the grace of God, survived. Millions did not. Regardless of our views on the wars we’ve been involved in or our leadership, we can all find a veteran to thank for our freedom this week.

It’s not everyday you’re strolling up a residential street and see a helicopter parked at the curb…

There were many patriotic canines at this event. This one later marched in the parade in full regalia. I believe he was with the USO.

Near the clock shop, I suddenly found myself in 1863 listening to a Civil War-era Fife and Drum Corps.

Near Auburn High School I experienced a fluctuation in the space-time continuum and witnessed original American patriots observing Vietnam-era vets on their newfangled machines.

Again I encountered the Civil War near the corner of East Main and G Street SE. This Buffalo Soldier’s horse was being admired by the local townspeople.

Cropping a vehicle out of that photo meant I had to display it in sepia tones as well.

Note not one, not two, but three American flags in this picture in addition to the VFW flag. Love those VFW guys.

Ah, yes. Men in kilts. Note the MacGregor tartan. They actually all are MacGregors.

The submarine veterans on one of their two subs on wheels.

A stirring display of POW-MIA flags.

Several groups of Native American veterans marched in the parade.

Veterans of the Republic of Vietnam.

The Vietnamese women all had such beautiful costumes.

The Veterans Day Parade is an excellent place to see vintage cars and a variety of really nice bikes.

Love seeing all those flags carried by the younger generation.

Chimacum High School is about 10 miles south of Port Townsend. There have always been rumors that the Knights Templar sailed to America. Now you know where they wound up. (I loved how different their outfits were!)

Now this is heavy metal. It’s not every day you see a percussion section decked out in chain mail. Surely there is some cymbalism involved.

Marysville-Pilchuck High School got a rousing ovation. It’s been just over two weeks since a murder-suicide at their school claimed the lives of four classmates plus the shooter. It was great to see them marching proudly to Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer.

As a large version of Old Glory was carried by, this canine patriot really, really, really wanted somebody to pet him. He was happy to see everyone.

Here’s another patriotic puppy proud to participate in the parade. This one, sporting a cozy camouflage coat, was quite content to pass the time in a color-coordinated camouflage bed on the hood of this vintage Jeep.

This was another Kodak moment that could be made to look like it was taken decades ago by switching to black and white.

Some local Scouts were having a blast riding in this formidable collector’s vehicle.

Here’s another moment that was begging to be morphed into a vintage version. Scroll down…

Here are the original American soldiers entering the procession, portrayed by the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution. Members must prove that they are direct descendants of an American patriot. And many people are– have you checked? Sons of the American Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution.

Yet another proud puppy. It was hilarious to watch dogs who were watching other dogs in the parade. When a dog would pass by, spectator dogs on the curb would perk up like, “Hey– I know that guy. Seriously, let me go see him. I need to smell him. I KNOW… THAT GUY.”

Heroes on the Water— check them out– provides healing and rehabilitation to veterans via kayak outings.

Seriously, man. I need a hug. This very American alligator was cracking me up by looking so fierce but graciously interacting with others.

My, what big teeth you have.

The Sons of Italy have marched this route for many years. They are a favorite.

Now how American is this? A marching band at a Veterans Day parade in red, white, and blue in front of a flagpole. The two light posts at the main entrance to Auburn High School that you see in the background are red with eagles on the top as well.

Towards the end of the parade, the sky around the sun was swathed in cirrocumulus clouds. It was almost like looking at the ocean in the sky.

Ooohh…

Aaahhhh…

 

There’s so much about Auburn’s East Main Street that’s just so small town America. Some of the buildings and stores have been there quite a while. Auburn actually has over 73,000 residents, but downtown feels like it always has.

Even the aliens were waving flags. And swords. And… cat toys?

The grandstand where the dignitaries were seated. It is always an honor to observe and meet the vets from World War II and Korea in particular.

The Vietnam era to modern day vets do love their motorcycles.

Interlude: when you go to downtown Auburn, be sure to stop in at Bananas Antiques. They’re friendly, they have a variety of interesting goods, and you simply must see all the bananas. They have more types of bananas than Bubba Gump’s had types of shrimp.

Many store owners in Auburn decorate their storefronts for Veterans Day. Some include heartfelt tributes to service members such as these.

In conclusion, I return to the large American flag that was being carried down the street by both vets and civilians. Gerald Stanley Lee said, “America is a tune. It must be sung together.” What that flag represents, this nation, does need to be carried by all of us. The veterans can’t do it alone; we can’t do it without the veterans.

Let’s hope we have the fortitude to preserve our nation for future generations, taking a stand against the forces that threaten to divide and destroy us, foreign and domestic.

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The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him. -G. K. Chesterton

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©2014 H. Hiatt/wildninjablog.com. All articles/posts on this blog are copyrighted original material that may not be reproduced in part or whole in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from H. Hiatt/wildninjablog.com.