WILLARD, Mo. — The annual Western Greene County Veterans Day Parade took place in Willard on Saturday, Nov. 1, celebrating the 250th birthday of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.

The parade, which began as a grassroots effort nine years ago, has become a cherished tradition in Willard.

"Nine years running, we've had over 100 entries in the parade every year," said Doug Johnson, one of the original organizers.

Johnson initially proposed the parade to the city of Springfield, but did not receive much response. "And so, I went to the city of Willard and asked them about having it out here, and they said, Absolutely," he explained.

The organizers faced challenges in getting the word out about the parade, including advertising and organizing events in the park.

Johnson mentioned that the p

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