PALISADES AMERICANISM PARADE ASSOCIATION MESSAGE
July 5, 2022
Dear Neighbors,
As Palisadians readied to celebrate the independence of our nation this July 4ᵗʰ at our 74ᵗʰ annual Parade, I was alerted to the tragic events that had just taken place in Highland Park, Illinois. As the details unfolded, we immediately engaged with our LAPD partners assigned to the Parade and redoubled our efforts to ensure that our community was protected during our July 4ᵗʰ events.
The Highland Park, Illinois community and its July 4ᵗʰ parade are so similar to ours that one cannot help but feel a deep sense of connection and loss. As their parade proceeded down their main street, yet another act of gun violence shattered a community and reminded us that these tragic events can and do happen in every corner of America. It’s difficult to put into words the confusion, anger, and vulnerability we feel. My hope is that by coming together year-after-year to successfully celebrate our collective values and strengths, we remind our national leaders of the importance of public celebrations and the urgency in putting an end to this violence.
Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all those impacted in Highland Park. Please know that the safety and security of all those who spend their July 4ᵗʰ holiday with us, guide our decision-making before, during and after every annual Parade and Fireworks & Music Show. We thank all our community of volunteers, partners, police officers and firefighters, as well as our Parade and Fireworks Show attendees, for joining us each year.
Matthew Rodman, President
Palisades Americanism Parade Association