Chattanooga, October 5, 2025
News Summary
The city of Chattanooga recently held its first Medal of Honor Celebration, honoring former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates with the Patriot Award. The event recognized values of patriotism and service, featuring living Medal of Honor recipients. It included community outreach, school visits, and performances, emphasizing bravery and selflessness. Notable awards were presented, including the John R. ‘Tex’ McCrary Award and the Bob Hope Award, highlighting contributions to journalism and veterans’ causes.
Chattanooga
Former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates received the Patriot Award during the Medal of Honor Celebration in Chattanooga on Saturday. This event marked the first year that Chattanooga has hosted the Medal of Honor Celebration, which is an annual event held in different cities across the United States.
The Medal of Honor itself has a significant history in Chattanooga, as it originated there in 1862 when 21 Union soldiers received the honor for their roles in the Great Locomotive Chase. The celebration aims to recognize individuals who embody values such as Patriotism, Citizenship, Courage, Integrity, Sacrifice, and Commitment. Each year, the event collaborates with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to achieve this goal.
In his acceptance speech, Gates highlighted the essential lessons of selflessness, service, humility, and courage learned from Medal of Honor recipients. He acknowledged the importance of these values especially in today’s divided America. Gates served as Secretary of Defense from 2006 to 2011 under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, making him the only Secretary of Defense in U.S. history who was asked to continue in office by a newly elected president.
In his address, Gates reflected on the heavy burden of leadership during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, emphasizing the gravity of his responsibility in sending service members into harm’s way.
The gala hosted over 30 living Medal of Honor recipients who shared their personal stories and experiences with attendees. Several individuals were honored at the event, including Johnny “Joey” Jones, who received the John R. “Tex” McCrary Award for Excellence in Journalism, and country music artist John Rich, who was recognized with the Bob Hope Award for his charitable efforts supporting veterans. Additionally, Kathleen Rollins was awarded the Distinguished Citizen Award for her philanthropic contributions towards veterans’ causes.
The week-long celebration also included various community outreach efforts, school visits, and opportunities for Medal of Honor recipients to meet with local residents. Actor Gary Sinise performed with the Lt. Dan Band during the event, contributing to the festive atmosphere dedicated to honoring bravery and service.
The overarching purpose of the Medal of Honor Celebration is to educate and inspire the public on the critical values of bravery, sacrifice, and service.
FAQ
What is the Medal of Honor Celebration?
The Medal of Honor Celebration works with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to recognize individuals who exemplify Patriotism, Citizenship, Courage, Integrity, Sacrifice, and Commitment.
Who received the Patriot Award at the event?
Former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates received the Patriot Award during the Medal of Honor Celebration in Chattanooga.
What is the significance of Chattanooga in the history of the Medal of Honor?
The Medal of Honor originated in Chattanooga, where 21 Union soldiers were the first recipients in 1862 for their roles in the Great Locomotive Chase.
What awards were given out during the celebration?
During the celebration, awards included the John R. “Tex” McCrary Award for Excellence in Journalism, the Bob Hope Award for charitable efforts supporting veterans, and the Distinguished Citizen Award for philanthropic work supporting veterans’ causes.
What activities took place during the week-long celebration?
The week-long celebration included community outreach efforts, school visits, and moments for Medal of Honor recipients to connect with the local community.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Patriot Award | Presented to Robert M. Gates during the Medal of Honor Celebration. |
| Location | The inaugural event was held in Chattanooga. |
| Honorees | Included Johnny “Joey” Jones and John Rich. |
| Community Engagement | Involved outreach efforts, school visits, and personal interactions with Medal of Honor recipients. |
| Musical Performance | Gary Sinise performed with the Lt. Dan Band. |
| Values Promoted | Emphasized bravery, sacrifice, and service to the nation. |
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Additional Resources
- News Channel 9
- Wikipedia: Medal of Honor
- Times Free Press
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Medal of Honor
- Local 3 News
- Google News: Medal of Honor Celebration Chattanooga
- Chattanoogan
- Google Search: Chattanooga Medal of Honor
- WDEF
- Google Scholar: Medal of Honor Chattanooga
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.
