Above / Favorable waves, appreciative thumbs up and friendly honks from folks in vehicles greeted approximately 175 folks, all ages, who participated in the annual Naperville Responds for Veterans Freedom Ruck on Independence Day.
At 9:20AM July 4, 2026, families participating in the annual Naperville Responds for Veterans Freedom Ruck were crossing Washington Street at Chicago Avenue in downtown Naperville on their return from the Highland School parking lot to the Judd Kendall VFW on W. Jackson Avenue.
Did you know? General George Washington ordered the Declaration of Independence to be read to his troops in New York on July 9, 1776.
At the conclusion of yesterday’s RUCK walk and dressed in the spirit of 1776, the founding document was read by Brian Dilger from the balcony of the VFW located at 908 W. Jackson Avenue.
NRFV Ruckers and other attendees watched and listened for about 10 minutes from below in the high heat of the morning while the 1,320-word document was recited by Dilger from printed parchment.
Many participants were snapping photos for social media. Several photographers also were present. When galleries of photos are downloaded, find them added to this post.
Cheers to America 250! Consider participating in the annual NRFV Freedom Ruck early on July 4, 2027, to commemorate Independence Day the same time next year. Participating is another way to help support unmet needs of local individuals who have served in the U.S. military by strengthening their well-being wherever their mission has taken them.
For more information about Naperville Responds for Veterans, its programs and sponsorship opportunities as well as special events in support of its aim to provide critical home repair and renovation services that benefit local military men and women, visit www.napervilleresponds.org.
Link to words of the Declaration of Independence: It takes about 10 minutes to read the historic document aloud and likely less time to read to yourself. Thanks for reading.
Update, 8PM July 5 / Jim Hoch says, “Naperville Responds For Veterans sponsored a well attended Ruck March on July 4. With the 5 inches of rain in the past couple days the route was modified yet the marchers remained undaunted and all appeared to have a great time!”
Find James Hoch Photography and a couple videos from the 2026 Ruck March here:
