SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Residents from all over the region came together in support of our country's veterans.

Hundreds took part in the annual Central New York Veterans Parade and Expo in the tenth year of the event. 

Coinciding with the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage, the parade honored female contributions from the past, present and future. 

This year's grand marshals were a reflection of that: Chief Master Sgt. Sonja Williams of the Air Force and Precious Siddiquee, a Cornell University senior who will join the Navy next year. 

Event organizers say it is important to take the time and honor the service women who also helped shape our armed forces. 

"Women in the military is a growing field. Over the past especially 10 or 15 years, the number of women have greatly increased in the military. It's important to recognize their accomplishments as well. We have a lot of local women veterans who have done so much and have such great stories to share that they need to be recognized," said Diana Abdella, CNY Veterans Parade and Expo coordinator.

A third grand marshal, 1st Lt. Phyllis Creamer of the Army Nurse Corps, was also honored this year. However, the 96-year-old was unable to attend the parade due to illness.