Highland Park commemorates one-year since parade shooting with day of reflection and remembrance
HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. - As the nation celebrated the Fourth of July, the holiday marked a day of reflection and remembrance in Highland Park.
It’s been one year since the northern suburb experienced its darkest day – when a gunman opened fire on parade-goers, killing seven people and injuring dozens of others.
This year, the city carefully crafted a schedule of events that allowed residents to pay their respects to the victims of last year's tragedy, while also celebrating time together.
"I’m just so grateful that the city leaders were smart enough to make it so empowering and peaceful, and just a wonderful way of taking back our town," said Lindsey Berkun, community member.
The emotional day began with a ceremony at City Hall where Mayor Nancy Rotering led a moment of silence.
Highland Park parade shooting one year later: Community reflects, mourns deadly massacre
Neighbors in Highland Park came together Tuesday one year after an unthinkable tragedy.
"We deeply mourn those who were taken from us and we will forever honor and be true to their memories," said Rotering. "To each of you, know this, we continue this journey together."
Also in attendance were Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other elected leaders who stood beside hundreds of community members.
"Resilience allows us to imagine a better future and understand that positive action builds hope and rebuilds community," said Rabbi Isaac Serotta, Makom Solel Lakeside.
Families then participated in a community walk along last year's parade route.
"Nobody wanted a parade, it was inappropriate, but it was important for us to say that evil doesn’t win and this is our parade route, and this is our community that we are taking back," Rotering said.
"We know a lot of people who were there so it hits close to home, definitely hits close to home," said Joe Filippo, community member.
"We have to take back peace, we have to take back love," said Berkun.
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Security was front of mind throughout the day.
"We have over 5,000 people that have registered for the events, they are coming from Highland Park and Highwood, the entire Chicagoland area, as well as out of state," said Highland Park City Manager Ghida Neukirch.
City leaders worked with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure that community members felt safe.
"We want people to feel comfortable coming to the various events taking place throughout the day, and understanding that we have various safety and security measures in place because public safety is our top priority," said Neukirch.
"I’m very sad we have to do this, but very glad that the community is coming together and paying some attention to this," said Lori Frischer, who lives in Highland Park.
The evening drew to a close at Wolters Field, where Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band performed on-stage during a free concert – lifting spirits and sharing a message of hope.
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"I want to try to bring some joy tonight and provide good memories for folks. We don't want the Fourth of July to be taken away from the City of Highland Park," said Sinise.
Sinise was raised in Highland Park and gradated form Highland Park High School.
Instead of fireworks, the city closed out the evening with a patriotic and colorful drone show over Wolters Field.