Safe Suburbs USA, a public safety advocacy group, again will host its Honoring Our Heroes Fourth of July Kickoff in the morning of Independence Day, July 4, 2021.
The second annual red, white and blue event will begin at 9AM and end by 10:30AM.
For 2021, the event will take place at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, located at 912 Honorary Sindt Memorial Court in downtown Naperville, behind the Naperville Judd Kendall VFW Post and near Centennial Beach.
The public is invited to the family-friendly event.
(Note the Jaycees Playground is just east of the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, also a perfect stop for families with young children.)
Live music and speakers will pay tribute to Independence Day
The National Anthem will be performed by Naperville community leader Chad Pedigo and “God Bless America” will be played on bagpipes by Naperville’s Colin Gavin.
The event will be co-moderated by Safe Suburbs USA’s founder Kevin Coyne and Naperville community leader Lisa Gangi.
Organizers have arranged for numerous speakers to offer brief comments celebrating our local first responders, Veterans and their families.
Among speakers scheduled to speak are Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico, Lisle Mayor Chris Pecak, Naperville City Council members Paul Leong and Patty Gustin, as well as a number of DuPage County judges, other elected officials and community leaders from DuPage and Will counties.
Editor’s Note / The Naperville community provides many health, intervention and public safety programs with professional personnel. Going beyond injury prevention and crime prevention, in support of building a strong, vibrant and connected community for nearly 150,000 residents, happens here. With nationally-accredited police and fire departments as well as an award-winning health facility, citizens appreciate public safety, mindful that all emergency services, first responders, personnel and families have been put to the test, especially during 2020 and 2021.
Recent severe weather events emphasize the need to review safety procedures with all family members and to adhere to emergency sirens as well as weather alerts on television, cell phones and radios.
Further, in the words of Naperville Crime Stoppers, “Keeping our community safe is everyone’s responsibility.”
One more thing… Independence Day Fireworks will begin at dusk at Frontier Park, located at 3380 Cedar Glade Drive, just south of 95th Street. The 30-minute display is hosted by Naperville Responds for Veterans’ Naperville Salute, the City of Naperville and the Naperville Park District. All safety protocols will be followed.
Update Sat., July 3, 2021 / With best wishes for a safe and Happy 4th, the following agenda was submitted by Kevin Coyne, organizer of the Independence Day Kickoff and founder of SafeSuburbs USA.
Pre-Ceremony Remarks
A. Lisle Mayor Chris Pecak
B. Judge Mike Riedy
Musical Performances to Begin
A. National Anthem – Chad Pedigo
B. God Bless America – Colin Gavin
Opening Remarks – Kevin Coyne & Lisa Gangi
Brief Remarks from City of Naperville Officials
A. Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico
B. Naperville Councilman Paul Leong
C. Naperville Councilman Patty Gustin
D. Naperville Park Commissioner Rich Janor
Break for Music
Brief Remarks from DuPage County Judiciary and County Board
A. Judge Kavita Athanekar
B. Judge Liam Brennan
C. DuPage County Board Greg Hart
Break for Music
Brief Remarks from Community Leaders
A. Indian Community Outreach/PZC Member – Krishna Bansal
B. Naperville Human Rights Commission – Vasavi Chakka
C. Naperville Building Review Board – Anees Rahman
Naperville Salute Wrap Up and Fireworks Info -Naperville Salute’s Michele Clemen
Closing Prayer – Naperville Community Leader Marty Walker
Closing Remarks and Thank Yous – Kevin Coyne & Lisa Gangi
