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Highland Park Commemorates First Anniversary of July 4 Shooting with Community Walk Along Parade Route

by Ryan Lee
10 comments
Highland Park July 4 shooting anniversary

A year has passed since a shooting incident left a deep scar on the July Fourth celebration in Highland Park, Illinois. The community is now preparing to come together to pay tribute to the seven lives lost, remember the fateful day, and reclaim their space to heal and progress.

The city, working closely with the park district, is organizing a variety of events for this holiday Tuesday. The intention is to provide a platform for the people to interact and gather in a way that feels the most supportive to them, stated city communications manager, Amanda Bennett. The planning of the event has been considerate of trauma sensitivities, she added.

City Hall will be hosting a Remembrance Ceremony at 10 a.m., featuring remarks from Mayor Nancy Rotering, a music recital, and a moment of silence at precisely 10:14 a.m., the time the first shot was reported. Following this, individuals can tread along the parade route.

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The city’s website states that “The Community Walk will symbolize the reclaiming of the 2022 parade route as we build resilience together.”

Sunset Woods Park is set to host a community picnic at 11:30 a.m., followed by a performance by Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band at 7:30 p.m. and a 9:30 p.m. drone show named “We Are Highland Park.”

However, there will be no floats, performers, or giveaways present. “This is not a parade,” Bennett clarified during a media briefing held on June 14. Media helicopters have been instructed not to fly overhead for footage. Reporters are requested to refrain from filming in areas affected by the shooting and from showing footage of the previous year’s incident to prevent further trauma to the participants.

Security is a priority: People must register before each event and present a QR code to access the secure event location. Those unable to attend in person can view the events via Zoom.


Savage is a corps member of the Big Big News/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a not-for-profit national service initiative that positions journalists in local newsrooms to cover underreported issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Highland Park July 4 shooting anniversary

What events are being held to commemorate the Highland Park July 4th shooting?

A series of events are being organized including a Remembrance Ceremony at City Hall, a Community Walk reclaiming the parade route, a community picnic, a performance by Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band, and a drone show.

How is Highland Park ensuring the safety of attendees at these commemorative events?

Attendees must register before each event and present a QR code to enter the secured event location. There will be no media helicopters allowed to fly overhead to avoid further trauma to participants.

What is the purpose of the Community Walk?

The Community Walk is intended to symbolize the reclaiming of the 2022 parade route, a sign of resilience and moving forward together after the tragic shooting incident.

Who is Amanda Bennett?

Amanda Bennett is the city communications manager for Highland Park, Illinois.

Will the events be accessible to those who can’t attend in person?

Yes, those who are uncomfortable or unable to attend in person can watch the events via Zoom.

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10 comments

TommyK July 4, 2023 - 6:39 am

been a tough year for all of us in Highland. Hope these events really bring us together, we need it.

Reply
Emily87 July 4, 2023 - 1:21 pm

This seems like a really sensitive way to handle the anniversary. Taking back the parade route and building resilience… nice.

Reply
JohnD123 July 4, 2023 - 11:04 pm

Wow, can’t believe it’s already a year… still, remember the news like yesterday. Such a sad event, but I guess we got to move on… hope this helps.

Reply
SaraSays July 5, 2023 - 3:29 am

It’s heartbreaking to see events like these happening. I hope security is top notch this time around. We can’t afford another tragedy.

Reply
GreenGablesFan July 5, 2023 - 5:04 am

Proud of how Highland Park is handling this. Turning a day of pain into something that might heal… takes a lot of courage. God bless.

Reply
GreenGablesFan July 6, 2023 - 2:11 pm

Proud of how Highland Park is handling this. Turning a day of pain into something that might heal… takes a lot of courage. God bless.

Reply
JohnD123 July 6, 2023 - 6:55 pm

Wow, can’t believe it’s already a year… still, remember the news like yesterday. Such a sad event, but I guess we got to move on… hope this helps.

Reply
Emily87 July 6, 2023 - 9:29 pm

This seems like a really sensitive way to handle the anniversary. Taking back the parade route and building resilience… nice.

Reply
TommyK July 7, 2023 - 7:46 am

been a tough year for all of us in Highland. Hope these events really bring us together, we need it.

Reply
SaraSays July 7, 2023 - 7:52 am

It’s heartbreaking to see events like these happening. I hope security is top notch this time around. We can’t afford another tragedy.

Reply

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