Showing appreciation for freedom and the sacrifices it takes to achieve it will be the focus of this year's Independence Day Parade in Fulton.
Parade organizers have invited Callaway County's World War II veterans to serve as the grand marshals, and once again will have trailers for veterans of all ages who wish to participate.
After honoring all veterans last year, committee member Tom Maupin said they decided to focus on World War II this year because "there are so few of them left."
"Within the next 10 years there won't be any World War II veterans living. It's called the greatest generation, and now is the time to recognize these people for the sacrifices they made," Maupin said.
Committee member Lori Dillon said about a half dozen area World War II service members already have committed to ride in the parade, and they hope to draw even more as July 4 gets closer.
Dillon said interacting with those veterans is one of the main reasons she got involved with planning the parade.