About 175 people of all ages walked a modified route through downtown Naperville on Saturday, July 4, crossing Washington Street at Chicago Avenue in the morning heat as drivers honked and waved from their cars, according to a recap published by Positively Naperville.
The annual Freedom Ruck, organized by Naperville Responds for Veterans, started at 8 a.m. at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion on Honorary Sindt Memorial Court and ended at the Judd Kendall VFW at 908 W. Jackson Ave. Five inches of rain in the days before the event forced organizers to reroute the 4-mile march, but participants completed the walk.
At the VFW, Brian Dilger read the Declaration of Independence aloud from the building's balcony. Dressed in the spirit of 1776, Dilger recited all 1,320 words from printed parchment while participants stood below in the heat for roughly 10 minutes.
Jim Hoch, speaking on behalf of the organization, said the marchers "remained undaunted" despite the weather and that "all appeared to have a great time."
Where the money goes
The Freedom Ruck raises funds for NRFV's core mission: free home repairs for veterans in need. Since its founding in 2009, the nonprofit has directed nearly $2 million toward projects including roof repairs, window and door replacements, ramp installations, doorway widening, and bathroom remodeling for qualifying veterans within a 20-mile radius of Naperville, according to the organization's website. NRFV says roughly 90% of funds raised go directly to veteran services. All projects are completed at no cost to the veteran.
NRFV assists veterans and their families with low and moderate incomes in communities stretching from Joliet to Aurora.
A fundraising total for the 2026 event has not been announced. Residents can contribute at napervilleresponds.org or call (331) 684-7899.
City Hall week ahead
Tuesday, July 7 — DuPage County committee meetings, DuPage County Government Center. Eight committees meet starting at 7:30 a.m., including Stormwater Management (7:30 a.m.), Judicial and Public Safety (8 a.m.), Public Works (9 a.m.), Human Services (9:30 a.m.), Development (10:30 a.m.), Technology (11 a.m.), and Legislative (11:30 a.m.). The Environmental Committee meeting is cancelled.
Wednesday, July 8 — Riverwalk Commission, 8:15 a.m., Meeting Room C, 400 S. Eagle St. Agenda includes an update on the North Central College Riverwalk Park project, review of the draft 2027 Riverwalk Capital Improvement Plan, and approval of an alternate bench design. Written public comments must be submitted at least 24 hours before the meeting via the city's online comment form.
Thursday, July 9 — Liquor Commission, 3 p.m., Council Chambers, Naperville City Hall. Agenda includes Five Iron Golf's request to increase the cap on Late Night Permits downtown by one, a presentation on Kratom/Feel Free regulation, and DUI reports for March through June 2026.
Thursday, July 9 — Naperville Park District Board, 7 p.m., Fort Hill Activity Center (Multipurpose Rooms), 320 W. Jackson Ave. A Parks and Recreation Committee meeting precedes at 5:45 p.m.
