As we enter into nicer weather, I wanted to take a moment to address the Board’s plans for this year’s Family Days celebration.
We have given a lot of thought and consideration as to how and whether to celebrate the Fourth of July. We are aware and sensitive to the tragedy in Highland Park last year and understand that people are still grieving. We have given thought as to what Family Days means for our community and the importance of not only remembering those who were affected, but also those who want to come together for one of our most popular events of the year. Despite the horrific shooting last year in Highland Park, we will go on. We will celebrate yet respect those who were impacted by the senseless killings.
I want to assure you that as we plan for this year’s July 4th parade and other activities, we have carefully considered how to move forward together. To be clear, safety is our top priority. We have been working closely with our Police Department, Public Works Department and other agencies to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to make Family Days as safe as possible.
This year’s Family Days Parade will not only be a celebration of our nation’s independence, but also a chance for us to come together as a community and show our support for one another. We do this in solidarity with our neighboring towns.
We will celebrate this year’s Family Days together.