Mid-Valley veterans of World War II and their supporters gathered Wednesday at Veterans Memorial Park in Marysville in a prelude to the Oct. 13 Torch of Freedom event in Beckwourth Riverfront Park.

Civic leaders and representatives of veterans organizations formally announced the upcoming event at the Marysville memorial in the Fifth Street park. The Torch of Freedom event is being sponsored by the Marysville chapter of the Disabled American Veterans.

Stephanie Ruscigno, commander of the local DAV chapter, said the event will give the community a chance to show veterans and their families appreciation for their efforts during World War II.

“You have seen bumper stickers that say ‘support the troops’,” Ruscigno said. “We want to give people a chance to give meaning to that. A lot of these veterans are getting older. If we don’t learn from them now and thank them now, we never will.”

The planned Torch of Freedom event in October will feature military guests, exhibits and presentations, musical entertainment and children’s activities.

Ruscigno is encouraging residents to submit photos of their World War II family members, living or not.

She said it is hoped events in future years will honor veterans of Korea and Vietnam.

For more information, contact Ruscigno at 315-8990.