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Tinley Park Today
By the People, for the People
Tinley Park Celebrates 250th with Irish Parade Honoring Veterans
Annual event spotlights nation's milestone and recognizes military service
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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This year's Tinley Park Irish Parade marked the United States' 250th birthday, with veterans leading the march as the grand marshal. The parade featured members of VFW Post 2791, the Tinley Park Veterans Commission, and the USS Chicago Base Submarine Veterans, highlighting the community's appreciation for those who have served.
Why it matters
The parade's focus on veterans and the nation's 250th anniversary reflects a shift in how the military is viewed, especially compared to the Vietnam War era when some returning soldiers faced hostility. This event showcases how attitudes have changed, with veterans now being celebrated for their service and sacrifice.
The details
The 76-year-old parade grand marshal, Nick Suleyman, recalled being called a 'baby killer' and spit on when he returned from Vietnam, but said those days are long gone. This year, the veterans were cheered on by tens of thousands of parade-goers. Tinley Park officials emphasized the importance of honoring those who fought for the country's freedom, especially as the nation marks its 250th birthday.
- The 26th annual Tinley Park Irish Parade took place on Sunday, March 9, 2026.
- The parade's St. Patrick's Day light show will run nightly from 7-10 PM until March 17, 2026.
The players
Nick Suleyman
A 76-year-old Monee resident who heads up area veterans groups and served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1968-1972.
Doug Rasmussen
The Tinley Park Veterans Commission Chairman.
Bill Brady
A Tinley Park Village Trustee.
Michael Glotz
The Mayor of Tinley Park.
James Navarro
A Tinley Park resident who has attended the parade for 9 years with a group of family members.
What they’re saying
“Certainly, we should honor our vets no matter what war it was. This is the 250th anniversary of our country and if it wasn't for them we would all be speaking with British accents.”
— Bill Brady, Tinley Park Village Trustee (Chicago Tribune)
“The veterans should always be put first for what they did. If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't have the freedom that we all enjoy today in the United States.”
— Michael Glotz, Tinley Park Mayor (Chicago Tribune)
“We've been through a lot. We've been through a number of wars. We've been through our own Civil War. We've gone through our own dissent and we are going through our own dissent again.”
— Nick Suleyman (Chicago Tribune)
What’s next
The village will continue its St. Patrick's Day celebrations with a nightly light show at Harmony Square in downtown Tinley Park from 7-10 PM until March 17, 2026.
The takeaway
This year's Tinley Park Irish Parade demonstrates how attitudes towards veterans have shifted, with the community now embracing and honoring those who have served, especially as the nation marks its 250th birthday. The parade's focus on military service reflects a broader trend of increased appreciation for the sacrifices made by American service members.
