HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (WLS) — It’s day of tributes in Highland Park to honor those victims, including a community walk and picnic followed by a concert and drone show.
The shooting happened one year ago Tuesday at 10:14 a.m.
Seven people were killed and dozens of others were hurt.
The seven people killed were: Katherine Goldstein, Irina McCarthy, Kevin McCarthy, Jacki Sundheim, Stephen Straus, Nicolas Toledo- Zaragoza and Eduardo Uvaldo.
At a remembrance ceremony, there was a moment of silence led by Mayor Nancy Rotering to remember the victims.
Mayor Rotering talked about reclaiming the day and making sure the community comes together so that it can heal, something that is not going to be completely done this year alone.
“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.”
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After that remembrance ceremony at Highland Park City Hall, many people came together for a community walk.
They walked the same route as last year’s parade, giving people a chance to reflect on what happened on that day.
The city chose a community walk instead of a parade, with many saying they are just not ready for a parade.
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 steps off from Laurel and St. John’s and travel along Central, ending at Sunset Woods Park.
Special white fencing has been set up along that route with banners that say “We Are Highland Park.”
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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 wither witnessed or indirectly experienced, 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.”
It is also important to note the incredible police presence along this community walk.
There is a police helicopter that has been circling, so there are eyes in the sky. There are police officers on bikes and with dogs.
There were police from Highland Park, but also officers from other jurisdictions like Rosemont securing the route.
There are also crisis response team members and comfort dogs to help anyone who may need extra support on this incredibly difficult day.
After the walk from the ceremonies downtown, people began gathering at a park for a community picnic and 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.
The picnic runs until about 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday evening, Gary Sinise, and his Lieutenant Dan Band will be a headline in concert starting at about 7:30 p.m. They also have a 12 minute drone show planned in remembrance of the events one year ago.
