Chattanooga, TN, August 29, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga, Tennessee, will welcome approximately 40 Medal of Honor recipients for the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration at the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. This week-long event, highlighted by public and private activities, will culminate in the Patriot Award Gala. Attendees will engage in inspiring discussions on patriotism and hear thrilling stories from veterans, fostering community pride and honoring the city’s military heritage.
Chattanooga, Tennessee, will host the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration, featuring approximately 40 Medal of Honor recipients from September 29 to October 4, 2025. This event, taking place at the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, is significant as it marks the city known as the birthplace of the Medal of Honor and is recognized as one of the nation’s prestigious patriotic events.
The celebration is presented by Textile Rubber & Chemical Company and will feature both public and private activities commencing on September 30, 2025. The week-long event will culminate in the Patriot Award Gala on October 4 at the Chattanooga Convention Center, where four individuals will be honored for their promotion of the nation’s principles and the core values upheld by the Medal of Honor.
Among the noteworthy attendees is Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry of the U.S. Army (Ret.), who received the Medal of Honor in 2011 for his courageous actions during a mission in Afghanistan. Petry saved the lives of fellow Rangers by throwing away a live grenade, an act that resulted in the loss of his right hand. He conveyed his enthusiasm for returning to Chattanooga, a city that has a strong military honoring history.
The celebration will offer opportunities for the Medal of Honor recipients to share their stories of patriotism, citizenship, courage, integrity, sacrifice, and commitment with local students, veterans, and community members. An engaging activity at the event will feature a recreation of the infamous “Great Locomotive Chase” from the Civil War, commemorating the story that inspired the first Medals of Honor awarded.
Another highlight of the event will be a performance by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band at the Patriot Gala. The event aims to create a lasting impact on the Greater Chattanooga community, reinforcing values that resonate through generations in supporting veterans and instilling pride among citizens.
Tom Mundell, the new president and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, emphasized the center’s focus on honoring past heroes while inspiring future generations. Educational programs are planned to embed core values into young people’s lives, further showcasing Chattanooga’s rich heritage and its connection to the Medal of Honor.
The 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration seeks to highlight the stories of heroes and encourage acts of patriotism within the community. Petry expressed the importance of veteran support networks, especially concerning transitions to civilian life, underlining the collective movement that honors the legacy of military service.
Event Details
- Dates: September 29 to October 4, 2025
- Location: Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, Chattanooga, TN
- Highlights: Reenactment of “Great Locomotive Chase”, performance by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band, and the Patriot Award Gala
Community Engagement
The celebration will foster connections between Medal of Honor recipients and local youth, as the recipients share their inspiring stories and promote patriotic values. Activities are designed not only to honor history but to educate and instill pride within the community.
Conclusion
As Chattanooga prepares to host this momentous occasion, the city looks forward to celebrating the bravery and sacrifice of those who received the highest military honor, reinforcing the principles upon which the nation was built and inspiring future generations to uphold them.
FAQ
- What is the Medal of Honor Celebration?
- The Medal of Honor Celebration is a week-long event honoring Medal of Honor recipients, showcasing their stories of bravery and the values they represent.
- When will the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration take place?
- The celebration will take place from September 29 to October 4, 2025.
- Where is the celebration being held?
- It will be held at the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
- Who will be attending the event?
- Approximately 40 Medal of Honor recipients will be in attendance, including Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry.
- What activities will occur during the celebration?
- The celebration will include a gala, meet and greets with medal recipients, educational programs, and a reenactment of the “Great Locomotive Chase”.
- How can the community engage with this event?
- Local students, veterans, and community members will have opportunities to interact with Medal of Honor recipients and participate in various activities and discussions focused on patriotism and shared values.
Event Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dates | September 29 to October 4, 2025 |
| Location | Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, Chattanooga, TN |
| Expected Attendees | Approximately 40 Medal of Honor recipients |
| Culminating Event | Patriot Award Gala on October 4, 2025 |
| Special Activities | Educational programs, Reenactment of ‘Great Locomotive Chase’, Gala dinner |
| Performance | Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga Residents Respond to Community Issues
Chattanooga Chill Week to Celebrate Local Flavors
Renaming of USNS Harvey Milk Incites Debate During Pride Month
Chattanooga Community Honors Fallen Heroes with Memorial Day Flags
Chattanooga Honors Veterans with Flag Placement for Memorial Day
Throngs Join South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade Amid New Measures
Chattanooga Mayor Advocates for New Hiring Regulations
U.S. Air Force Stops Training on Tuskegee Airmen and WASPs
Chattanooga Musicians Invited to Join Tiny Desk Contest
Core & Main Opens New Branch in Chattanooga
Additional Resources
- Chattanooga Pulse
- Times Free Press
- News Channel 9
- Wikipedia: Medal of Honor
- Google Search: 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
