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Highland Park dedicates community mosaic honoring shooting victims
Summary
Mayor Roing and the council dedicated a mosaic titled 'Tree of Life' made with artist Eddie Hassik and community members; the mayor read victims' names and invited residents to view the work at City Hall.
The Highland Park City Council dedicated a new community mosaic titled "Tree of Life" at the start of its June 29 meeting, honoring those who were injured or killed in the city's shooting. Mayor Roing read the names of the victims, asked for a moment of silence and encouraged residents to view the mosaic on display at city hall.
Mayor Roing described the piece as a community effort designed by artist Eddie Hassik of the Chicago Mosaic School and completed in part by residents who participated in a remembrance event. He highlighted symbolic elements in the work — the central "tree of life," heart‑shaped leaves created by community members, a monarch butterfly reflecting Mexican mourning traditions, and touches referencing Lake Michigan and native limestone — and said the mosaic reflects resilience and shared memory.
The mayor thanked staff who supported the project, including city manager Gita Newkerk, assistant city manager Emily Tub, communications manager Amanda Bennett, and resiliency staff such as Jasmine Alejandro, and invited residents to visit the temporary memorial and to contact the resiliency division for support. The city will have flowers available near the temporary memorial on Saturday for those who wish to pay respects.
The dedication followed an earlier committee meeting at which the city showcased options for the next phase of a place of remembrance; the council noted that formal budget decisions for construction would return for further specificity and formal consideration.
