U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jimmy Smolik Gets Hero's Welcome Home

OAK LAWN, IL — Sgt. Jimmy Smolik got a warm South Side welcome when he returned home to Oak Lawn after five years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Hundreds of flags lined 111th Street as Jimmy received a police escort from the Oak Lawn Police Department and the Canaryville Veterans Rider Club.

Brendon O'Brien, owner of Reilly's Daughter, where a crowd gathered in front of the bar at 111th Street and Pulaski road, said the big turnout showed what the South Side community capable of doing when everyone got together.

"This is the kind of neighborhood we live in," O'Brien said. "A lot of people with their positive waving. Everyone has to start coming together in this country and not divided."

The procession went past Lawn Manor Park where players and spectators took a break from a softball tournament to line the streets, before circling around the field at St. Linus School where Jimmy played football as a youngster. The procession ended at Jimmy's parents' house, where family, friends and hundreds of neighbors celebrated his homecoming with a big party.

Jimmy Smolik procession passes by Lawn Manor Park. (Video courtesy of Tom Phelan)