NW Illinois News

The City of Rochelle held a community parade to say thank you to the first responders who have worked to protect the community during the COVID-19 outbreak.

According to the Rochelle News-Leader, the parade was held on May 12. The parade coincided with National Hospital Week and the recently passed National Nurses Week. This year, in particular, health care workers are doing their part to care for the community in a special way. 

Participants stayed in their cars to observe social distancing recommendations. Beginning at the Rochelle Middle School, the parade continued down School Avenue and made a loop around Rochelle Community Hospital before proceeding down Caron Road, passing Rochelle Gardens and ending at the Hawthorn Inn on Flagg Road. 

The parade was led by local police, the fire department, and Mayor John Bearrows. Participants were encouraged to decorate their vehicles. 

“We were talking about different things we could do for a way to honor our health care workers,” Bearrows said. “Everybody has time on their hands and they could certainly be a part of a parade to honor the Rochelle Community Hospital and health care workers everywhere. That includes all workers at the assisted living and the nursing homes as well.” 

Residents, organizations and business owners came out as well to cheer on the workers. 

Tina Neale, a Kishwaukee College nursing student, participated in the parade after a Political Action Day rally was shut down. 

“Unfortunately, we were unable to do that, so we were trying to find things we could do as a group to show support and came across the parade,” Neale said.

Residents held signs for vehicle drivers and employees of the hospital enjoyed the opportunity to see the support being offered. Bearrows gave his gratitude to all who took part in the parade, saying that the city was working hard to get back on track. 

“There is not just one group that is impacted, this affects all of us,” Bearrows said.