Rockford residents got an early start celebrating the 4th of July

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford residents started the 4th of July celebration early with a Patriotic Prayer Breakfast.

The breakfast first started in 1984, was held this morning at Beattie Park. Several guest speakers and plenty of patriotic music served as a great start to this historic day for the attendees.

Organizers said it is a great way to kick off the day and it gets people in the mood for the holiday.

“It’s a community-based event – all of our events are, so anybody and everybody is welcome,” said Rockford 4th of July Committee Co-Chairman Tom Luepkes. “So, like I said, what a better way to start the 4th of July than getting together and celebrating faith … a lot of patriotic music, singing, it’s a really good time. It does set the tone for the day.”

Luepkes added that attendance is growing every year and he hopes it can soon outgrow Beattie Park and move back to its original spot at Sinnissippi.

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