HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (WLS) — It's a day of tributes in Highland Park to honor the victims, including a community walk and picnic followed by a concert and drone show.
The shooting occurred one year ago on a Tuesday at 10:14 am
Seven people died and dozens were injured.
The seven people who died were: Katherine Goldstein, Irina McCarthy, Kevin McCarthy, Jacki Sundheim, Stephen Straus, Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza and Eduardo Uvaldo.
At the memorial service, a minute's silence was held led by Mayor Nancy Rotering to remember the victims.
Mayor Rotering spoke of recapturing the day and ensuring communities come together so they can heal, something that will not be fully completed this year alone.
“This is a day full of emotions,” he said. “I am so proud of how our community has supported one another over the last twelve months and today. I hope it wasn't because of a horrific act of mass gun violence.”
READ MORE: Highland Park victims sue gun manufacturer, alleged shooter father
After a memorial service at Highland Park City Hall, crowds gathered for a community walk.
They followed the same route as last year's parade, giving people a chance to reflect on what happened that day.
The city opted for the community walk over the march, with many saying they weren't ready for the march yet.
About 3,000 people pre-registered for the walk.
City officials said the walk was meant to symbolize the community's desire to take back the city and show its resilience, so there were no floats or marching bands.
Walk a few steps from Laurel and St. John's and travel along Central, ending at Sunset Woods Park.
Special white fences have been erected along the route with banners reading “We Are Highland Park”.
Lifelong Highland Park resident Heidi Aloush-Meister said she chose to walk so she could make new memories in a place where it hurts the most.
He felt walking was the right way to move forward.
“I think as a response to trauma that people witness or indirectly experience, I feel like this is a very gentle way of trying to reintegrate to try to celebrate our beautiful country. I think there are mixed feelings about this. I personally feel this was a wonderful way to come together and remember all that was lost.”
It is also important to note the exceptional police presence throughout this community's journey.
There's a police helicopter already circling, so there's an eye in the sky. There are police officers on bicycles and with dogs.
There are police from Highland Park, but also officers from other jurisdictions such as Rosemont securing the route.
There are also crisis response team members and comfort dogs to assist anyone who may need extra support in this especially difficult day.