The Aurora city government will take time on the Fourth of July Independence Day holiday to pay special tribute to its health care heroes for their stalwart efforts during COVID-19 and their daily sacrifices beyond the pandemic.
Aurora mayor Richard C. Irvin announced Tuesday the City’s plans to be host to a Fourth of July processional of public safety vehicles that will begin and end at Aurora’s main medical centers and go past a half-dozen nursing homes and senior care facilities along the route.
“While the traditional Fourth of July Parade isn’t possible this year, we will still take the time to honor our local heroes as we celebrate our nation,” said mayor Irvin. “Last year, we honored 911 Operators in Aurora. This year, we’ll honor our doctors, nurses, and all healthcare professionals for their work during these trying times and every day of the year. They certainly have helped to keep our community together while sacrificing so much of themselves in the process.”
The “Salute to Healthcare Workers” Fourth of July Processional will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4 at Rush-Copley Medical Center, 2000 Ogden Avenue, on Aurora’s far East Side and end on the far West Side at AMITA Health Mercy Medical Center, 1325 N. Highland Avenue.
The route includes many neighborhoods, schools, downtown Aurora, and open parking spaces where residents can safely gather and be socially distance to celebrate the occasion.
The Aurora Police Department, the Aurora Fire Department, the Aurora Emergency Management Agency, and the Kane County Sheriff’s Department will provide the 10 vehicles for the processional.
Due to COVID-19, the City canceled its regularly scheduled Fourth of July parade and community fireworks.
The Salute to Healthcare Workers Fourth of July Processional Route:
• Begin at Rush Copley Medical Center (10 a.m.);
• Northbound Waterford Drive to Alden Circle;
• Past Alden of Waterford to Montgomery Road;
• Westbound Montgomery Road to Hill Avenue;
• Northbound Hill Avenue to Sixth Avenue;
• Westbound Sixth Avenue past Sunnymere Senior Living Community to Smith Street;
• Northbound Smith Street to Fifth Avenue;
• Westbound on Fifth Avenue to Jackson Street;
• Northbound Jackson Street to North Avenue;
• Westbound North Avenue to Lasalle Street;
• Northbound Lasalle Street past Jennings Terrace to Downer Place;
• Westbound Downer Place past Aurora City Hall to River Street (10:25 a.m.);
• Northbound River Street to West Park Avenue;
• Westbound West Park Avenue past Presence Fox Knoll to Lake Street;
• Southbound Lake Street to Galena Boulevard;
• Westbound on Galena Boulevard past Elmwood Terrace, Symphony of Orchard Valley, and Bickford of Aurora;
• Northbound Orchard Road to Indian Trail;
• Eastbound Indian Trail to Mercy Lane;
• Conclude at Presence Mercy Medical Center (10:45 a.m.).
— Aurora city government