Highland Park pays tribute to victims 1 year after July 4th parade shooting
HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (WLS) -- A day of tributes was held in Highland Park to honor the victims of the 2022 parade mass shooting, including a community walk and picnic followed by a concert and drone show.
At 10:14 a.m. on July 4, 2022, a gunman opened fire on the parade. Seven people were killed and dozens more were hurt.
The seven people who died were Katherine Goldstein, Irina McCarthy, Kevin McCarthy, Jacki Sundheim, Stephen Straus, Nicolas Toledo- Zaragoza and Eduardo Uvaldo.
"Taking it all in as a reflection back on last year. It's pretty somber, but at the same time remembering all those affected," said Geralyn Hansen. She and her husband were near the front of the parade when shots rang out.
"I've experienced death, but something like this, you don't know death is coming," Gary Hansen said.
At a remembrance ceremony, Mayor Nancy Rotering led a moment of silence in memory of those killed.
Rotering spoke about reclaiming the day and making sure the community comes together so that it can heal, something that is not going to be complete in just the past year.
"This is a day filled with emotion," she said. "I am so proud of how our community has supported one another these past twelve months and today. I wish it were not because of horrific act of mass gun violence."
READ MORE: Highland Park victims sue gun manufacturer, alleged shooter's dad
After the ceremony at Highland Park City Hall, many people came together for a community walk. They traveled the same route as last year's parade, giving participants a chance to reflect.
The city chose a community walk instead of a parade, with many saying they are just not ready for one.
About 3,000 people pre-registered for the walk.
City officials said the walk is meant to symbolize the community's desire to reclaim the city and show its resilience, so there aren't any floats or marching bands.
The walk stepped off from Laurel and St. John's and travel along Central, ending at Sunset Woods Park.
"I didn't realize how upset I was going to be today. I don't--I'm definitely not healed," said Amy Hohman, resident. "I thought I was a lot better but definitely, I'm not. It was very emotional."
Hohman lives right on Central Avenue and watched the walk go by her front door. A year ago she heard gunfire 130 feet down the street.
"And then people are running and I'm standing there I'm frozen just standing there. I had no idea what was happening," she recalled.
Special white fencing has been set up along that route with banners that say "We Are Highland Park."
Jacqueline von Edelberg finds comfort in art, and started a project encouraging people to drape pieces of orange fabric downtown after the shooting. The display will travel to Nashville in August.
"Bound up in the sadness and anxiety and remembrance we can also see tremendous resilience here and the indomitable spirit of this community," she said.
Lifelong Highland Park resident Heidi Aloush-Meister said she is choosing to walk so that she can make new memories in a place where there was so much pain. She felt the walk is the right way to move forward.
"I think that in response to the trauma that people either witnessed or indirectly experienced," she said. "I feel like it is a very gentle way to try to reintegrate back into trying to have a celebration of our beautiful country. I think that there is mixed feelings about it. I personally feel like it is a wonderful way to come together and remember all that was lost."
There was a heavy police presence along the walk route. A police helicopter circled, so there were yes on the sky. There were also officers on bikes and with dogs.
And while many officers were from Highland Park, there were also personnel from other jurisdictions like Rosemont securing the route.
The city has crisis response team members and comfort dogs on hand to help anyone who may need extra support.
Following the walk, people gathered at a park for a community picnic and to spend time together for the holiday.
In keeping with the theme of the day, it will be a low-key gathering with an opportunity for people to reflect as they wish.
The park has baseball fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds. But Tuesday, it's a big open space for people to lay blankets and chairs and enjoy family time together.
There are no speeches or talks planned, but the stage is set up for music and there are plenty of food trucks there.
City officials said they spent a lot of time planning this, and making sure they provided everybody an opportunity to grieve, and reflect in whatever way is most meaningful to them.
Tuesday evening, Gary Sinise, a Highland Park High School graduate, and his Lieutenant Dan Band headlined a concert.
"My brother played football on this football field. My sister was a cheerleader here. I did plays at the high school. There's too many connections here in Highland Park to not be here," Sinise said. "We want those families to know that we don't forget. We don't forget what they're going through. We love them and want to wrap our arms around them and help them through."
There was also a 12 minute drone show in remembrance of the events one year ago.
