Chicago’s McKinley Park neighborhood again presented its annual Memorial Day parade on May 26, 2025, hosted by the McKinley Park Civic Association and William McKinley American Legion Post 231.
Hundreds of marchers, spectators and attendees viewed from streets and sidewalks as the parade wound through the neighborhood after starting at the McKinley Park branch of the Chicago Public Library and ending nearby at the American Legion post on West 35th Street.
"Everybody showed up, and we have wonderful weather," said civic association President Chris Bania. "We worked together with the [American Legion] post on this."
Feels Like Freedom
"This feels like freedom," 12th Ward Alderwoman Julia Ramirez said during the ceremony at the American Legion post following the parade.
"We commemorate those who lost their lives," Cook County 7th District Commissioner Alma Anaya said.
Illinois 24th District State Representative Theresa Mah noted how the sacrifices of veterans were what provided the freedom Americans enjoy. "These freedoms allow us to have a democracy," she said.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
American Legion post Commander Patrick McGuire thanked attendees and the many community and veterans groups participating in the parade. This included local schools and community groups, churches, car clubs, and marching bands from Thomas Kelly College Prep high school and Horizon Science Academy - McKinley Park.
"We honor the memories from families of veterans," said Chicago Board of Education District 7B Member Yesenia Lopez. "Thank you to those who made the ultimate sacrifice."
Scholarship Program
American Legion post Senior Vice Commander Arthur Rodriguez noted the contributions the group makes through its scholarship program, which awarded four new scholarships to local college students at the ceremony.
"We need to continue investing in this post," Ramirez said.
Association Meeting June 4
The civic association, the neighborhood’s only membership-driven community group, announced its next McKinley Park Civic Association Meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the McKinley Park public library, 1915 W. 35th St., Chicago.
Part of the association's future plans include continued production of the neighborhood's Memorial Day parade. "We want to do it again next year," Bania said.
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