Jerry Clark smiled proudly Saturday as fellow members of the American Legion marched down Auburn’s Main Street. People standing near the 62-year-old Black Diamond resident clapped as the group of older men wearing their trademark caps waved back to the crowd. He softly nodded and smiled.

“It’s a remembrance of our fallen comrades,” said Clark, an Army veteran who fought in the Vietnam War from 1967-69.

Clark, who said he rarely missed the parade, took in the scene: Thousands of spectators jammed Main Street to cheer veterans’ groups, marching bands, elected officials and other participants in the 43rd annual Veterans Day parade.

“There’s no doubt in my mind,” he said, “that Auburn stands out as one of the most patriotic cities in the nation.”

The components of the parade were as varied as they were plentiful.

=> Read more!