Memorial Day Ceremony
The Village of Tinley Park and the Tinley Park Veterans Commission host the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Gen. Patrick E. Rea Veterans Plaza each May. Events include patriotic music, short speeches, a wreath-laying ceremony and a gun salute.
Veterans Day Ceremony
The Village of Tinley Park and the Tinley Park Veterans Commission host the annual Veterans Day Ceremony every November at the Gen. Patrick E. Rea Veterans Plaza. Honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those who were willing to in service of the United States. The ceremony includes patriotic music, short speeches and a gun salute.
All Service Breakfast
A hearty breakfast including juice, coffee and “SOS” (veterans know what that is) is provided to all veterans and their spouses who live in the Village of Tinley Park or who are members of one of the Tinley Park military service organizations.
Veteran volunteer recognition
The Veterans Commission annually honors individuals who have distinguished themselves by volunteering their time to help veterans, and by promoting the ideals of patriotism for which those veterans fought. This award ceremony takes place in conjunction with the Veterans Day Ceremony.
American flags honor veterans
When requested, an American flag is flown on the Village flagpole near the Oak Park Avenue train station at Zabrocki Plaza in memory of a deceased Tinley Park resident who has served our country. Each flag has previously been flown over the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. and is taken down and presented to the family along with a framed certificate. Residents who are interested in the program can fill out a Flag Request Form. Proof of service is required with the application.
Paver Brick Program
Friends and family of those in the Armed Forces can honor their heroes by purchasing bricks bearing personalized inscriptions that recognize the military person's service to our country. These bricks are incorporated into the walkway at the Gen. Patrick E. Rea Veterans Plaza, which sits adjacent to the south entrance of the 80th Avenue Metra train station, 18001 S. 80th Ave., Tinley Park. Residents who are interested in purchasing a brick can fill out a Brick Paver Program application. Proof of service is required with the application. The program is open to any individual who is a current or former resident of Tinley Park and has served, or is currently serving, in any branch of the service or is affiliated with any Village veteran organization. Applications are available at Village Hall, V.F.W. Post 2791 and American Legion Post 615.
Veterans Banner Program
The Village of Tinley Park's Veterans Commission has a Veterans Banner Program, available to honor any individual who is a current or former resident of Tinley Park and has served, or is currently serving, in any branch of the service or is affiliated with any Village veteran organization. Banners honor local veterans by featuring their likeness, name, branch of the military and years of service. Banners cost $150 each and will be displayed in Veterans Plaza and along Timber Drive annually from Memorial Day to Veterans Day. Applications will be due every year on May 1. Banners will be 30 inches wide and 60 inches tall, printed on both sides. Read the Veterans Banner Program Application for submission guidelines or to order a banner for the veteran in your life. Proof of service is required with the application. Applications are available at Village Hall, V.F.W. Post 2791 and American Legion Post 615.
'Voice of Democracy' contest
Tinley Park students in ninth through 12th grades have an opportunity each year to participate in a contest that tests their writing abilities and patriotism. This program is sponsored by the V.F.W. National Organization, and each annual winner receives a $25,000 scholarship. The Veterans Commission offers support and funding on the local level.
Patriots Pen
Tinley Park students in seventh and eighth grades are eligible to participate in another V.F.W. National program, Patriots Pen. Top national winners of this 300-word essay contest can receive savings bonds of $1,000 to $10,000. The Veterans Commission offers support and funding on the local level.