Gulf war era veterans are being sought to participate in Sunbury’s Fourth of July parade.

Parade organizer Donna Evans said this year’s parade, scheduled for Saturday, July 2, is special for several reasons – 2016 is Sunbury’s bicentennial year, and the village’s Independence Day parade will honor veterans who served in Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Operation Iraq Freedom, or served in the military during any of those conflicts.

“We would like veterans who served in the military during the gulf war conflicts to contact us as soon as possible if they want to be in the parade,” Evans said. “Because it’s Sunbury’s bicentennial, we’re hoping to have lots of floats and other parade entries. The U.S. Army Reserve Band will return, and the Columbus Saints Drum and Bugle Corps, but we really want to reach out to our veterans and get them to join us during this special year in Sunbury’s history.”

Evans said veterans do not have to just be from Sunbury or the Big Walnut area. She said any veteran of the conflicts who wishes to be in the parade is welcome.

Evans said even though the parade will be held on July 2, along with the flea market on the square, it will still begin at 10 a.m., with staging at Big Walnut High School.

This year’s fireworks display will be on Monday, July 4, at Big Walnut High School.

“I know it’s early, but we really need to reach out to the veterans, and also to make sure the community knows parade will be on July 2,” Evans said.

Veterans who would like to be recognized during the parade should send their information to Evans at [email protected].