idiot lights

I need to wire some basic idiot lights for my homebuilt. Some are simple
independent switched light circuits but others indicate motors, such as a
fuel pump is active.

Are there any basic schematics/resources available on the web to show how to
run an indicator in parallel with something like a pump motor. My guess
would be that a diode needs to be included someplace. BTW I will probably
be using LEDs with drop down resistors

Thanks, Doug