Highland Park Holds First July 4 Parade Since 2022 Tragedy

Residents balance mourning and celebration as they honor victims and embrace community resilience.

The parade featured a new route and a scaled-down procession to avoid the site of the 2022 shooting.
A Remembrance Ceremony included speeches, music, and poetry to honor the seven lives lost.
Some community members chose alternative, quieter ways to mark the day, reflecting ongoing trauma.
The alleged shooter recently backed out of a plea deal, affecting the community's sense of closure.
Local leaders emphasized the importance of moving forward while remembering those impacted.