They have led the way in protecting the health of our community during the pandemic, and now health-care heroes in Aurora will lead the City’s Fourth of July parade as grand marshals.
“We can never thank our health care heroes enough for their unwavering and steady leadership throughout the pandemic,” said Aurora mayor Richard C. Irvin. “It is fitting to have them lead this year’s Fourth of July Parade as we continue to transition beyond the pandemic and back into full productivity. We owe them a debt of gratitude for guiding us on the road to healthiness and wholeness as one Aurora.”
The 2021 Fourth of July Parade will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday, July 4, in the heart of downtown Aurora, with the theme ‘One Aurora, One America.’
More than 100 health-care workers from Rush-Copley Medical Center, AMITA Mercy Media Center and VNA Health Care, and other local healthcare institutions will collectively represent all health care heroes in Aurora as grand marshals of the annual parade.
“The City of Aurora has been incredibly supportive of our health care heroes during the pandemic,” said John Diederich, CEO of Rush Copley Medical Center and a life-long Aurora resident. “It is an honor for Rush Copley’s caregivers to help lead the parade and celebrate the holiday with our community.”
The grand marshals’ float will lead more than 60 patriotic, energetic and diverse units, including public safety teams, veteran organizations, elected officials, dance teams, car clubs, youth groups, and several cultural performances.
“The VNA Health Care team is so honored to be recognized by the City of Aurora as Healthcare Heroes in the 2021 Independence Day parade, “said Linnea Windel, president and CEO of VNA Health Care. “We are thrilled to join our city, our neighbors, and our health-care partners on this special day which also coincides with VNA’s milestone of administering more than 50,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine so far.”
The parade will begin at Benton Street and River Street, go east on Benton to Broadway, north on Broadway to Downer Place, and west on Downer Place, and end at River Street. The main stage for parade commentary will be across from the GAR Memorial Hall and Museum, 23 E. Downer Place.
Learn more at www.aurora-il.org/FourthInAurora.
—City of Aurora government