Mokena's Fourth of July Parade to Pay Tribute to Fallen Aaron Toppen

Mokena’s Fourth of July parade Saturday will feature a heartfelt, traditional tribute to one of the community’s fallen.

A riderless horse will carry combat boots symbolizing the death of PFC Aaron Toppen. The boots will be reversed in the stirrups, in keeping with the tribute that typically accompanies a funeral procession.

Toppen, 19, was killed by friendly fire in Afghanstian, a little more than a year ago.

The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. from Wolf & LaPorte Roads, and heads north on Wolf Road to Granite Drive. Other activities include a free concert and fireworks show. See the Village’s website for more.