Highland Park

Freedom’s Sacrifice was originally commissioned in 2006 by the American Legion and the City of Highland Park, Illinois. It’s original purpose was a dedication to the soldiers from Highland Park, Illinois who served and perished in the wars throughout American history. It is a place to contemplate and remember those who sacrificed their lives for a greater cause. The monument depicts the dichotomy between war and peace and the ultimate sacrifice required for freedom.

It has recently been the location for a memorial that none of us in the community could have imagined. On July 4, 2022 during the Independence Day Parade, seven people were killed and many wounded by gunfire. The Veterans Memorial in downtown Highland Park has served as a location for those mourning to gather and remember their neighbors, friends, and families. The concept for use of the site is the same: a space designated to gather and remember, find solace, and be at peace. This new context of memorial use is devastating and so unfortunate, and gives a different outlook on sacrifice and freedom. Are we free and at peace if we cannot be safe from harm in our community? Will the future be better? We hope, at least, that the memorial can provide a respite from the chaos, and a location to gather with all that are suffering from this event.

Highland Park Community Fund
To help those directly impacted by the mass shooting in Highland Park, the Highland Park Community Foundation has established a July 4th Highland Park Shooting Response Fund. According to the city, “All contributions to the Response Fund will go directly to victims and survivors or the organizations that support them.”