Knoch Knolls neighborhood salutes Fourth of July
By Hank Beckman For The Sun July 5, 2011 9:52PM
Participants line up for the beginning of the Independence Day parade in the Knoch Knolls neighborhood in Naperville Monday. | Hank Beckman~For Sun-Times Media
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Updated: November 16, 2011 1:35AM
Some cities have one lone Independence Day parade. In Naperville, even the subdivisions get in on the act.
Knoch Knolls on the city’s south side hosted the eight version of what has become an annual event Monday, with about 400 people showing up to march on a perfect summer day.
“The focus is on the men and women who have served our country and continue to serve,” parade organizer Julie Berkowicz said. “We want to show our appreciation and Knoch Knolls feels very strongly about this.”
The parade started to assemble at 10:45 a.m. at Spring Brook School, just as another subdivision’s holiday parade was ending.
A car carrying Naperville Mayor George Pradel led the way, followed by contingents of several Scout troops, including Cub Scout Pack 8887 and Boy Scout Troop 889 and Venture Crew 888.
The Naperville Fire Department’s Highland Guard Bagpipes entertained with patriotic tunes and City Council members Paul Hinterlong, Steve Chirico and Judith Brodhead marched along with the crowd.
“This is a wonderful parade,” Brodhead said before the festivities. “I missed it last year because it was my husband’s 60th birthday and children were in from out of town.”
The parade kicked off slightly after its scheduled 11 a.m. start and made its way down Gateshead Drive to its finish at Knoch Knolls Commons around 11:35.
Local Scouts, including Berkowicz’s son Marc, performed a flag presentation ceremony, after which the marchers had refreshments in the park while younger children enjoyed three bounce houses.
Naperville Purple Heart winner Zach Arnold marched at Knoch Knolls for the fourth time. Arnold said he was glad that the war in Iraq seemed to be winding down.
“We’ve done our part,” he said, adding it was up to Iraqis to preserve their new democracy.
Veterans of Foreigns Wars Post 3873 and American Legion Post 43 both had representatives in the parade.
Retired Marine Sgt. Jack Schiffler, a Vietnam War veteran, was thankful for the day and the good weather.
“It’s a pleasant way to start out the Fourth of July,” he said of the parade.
Army Spc. Bill Westfall is a newcomer to the event.
“It’s my first time here since I became part of the VFW,” he said.
Retired Navy vet Larry Mathis has a son in the Marines and volunteers with Operation Welcome You Home, a non-profit group that stages welcome home events for military personnel on their return from active duty.
“We try to make them feel like a rock star for about an hour and a half,” Mathis said.
Another Vietnam era vet, Wayne Fischer, said: “This day is really special. It’s good to see people enjoying life ... and their freedoms.”
Renee Abbott was at her second Knoch Knolls parade.
“My daughter was in the parade with a friend,” she said.
Linda Pady was also at her second parade.
“It’s one of my favorite holidays because of the fireworks,” she said.
Pady’s friend Lois Lowe noted the patriotism.
“This year, particularly, there is a focus on patriotism,” she said.
Berkowicz was happy with the turnout and the great weather.
“This day is so important for both our vets and our Scouts,” she said. “They look up to the vets and always want to walk in the parade with them.”
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