Over 300 attend Veterans Day Breakfast, hear from Medal of Honor recipient
GROSSE POINTE FARMS, Nov. 18, 2025 – Standing before a crowd of nearly 350 people, Jim McCloughan’s opening remarks included the line “I’ve been to a lot of places, but I don’t believe I’ve ever been in a room so full of patriots as I am today.”
There’s a certain significance to that statement, given that McCloughan is one of only 61 living Medal of Honor recipients and someone who regularly provides remarks across the country.
Medal of Honor Recipient Jim McCloughan speaks at The War Memorial’s Veterans Day Breakfast on Nov. 11.
On Nov. 11, The War Memorial opened its doors to veterans and their loved ones for the annual Veterans Day Breakfast. The morning began with a coffee hour presented by Louisa St. Clair Chapter, NSDAR, and was followed by the program which included participation from community partners like Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 154, Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, The Helm, the Men’s Club of Grosse Pointe Choral Group, and keynote remarks from McCloughan.
Residing in Saugatuck, the 79-year-old McCloughan is the only living Medal of Honor recipient from Michigan. Out of over 40 million Americans who have served in the Armed Forces since the Civil War, only 3,528 have received the Medal of Honor—our nation’s highest recognition for valor in combat.
From May 13-15, 1969, his Medal of Honor action dates, McCloughan is credited with saving the lives of 10 Americans and one Vietnamese interpreter.
At each place setting for the breakfast, thank you cards for veterans from area schools were proudly on display. A big thanks to students from Defer Elementary School, Ferry Elementary School, Maire Elementary School, Monteith Elementary School, Barnes School, Kerby Elementary School, Pierce Middle School, Brownell Middle School, Middle School at University Liggett School, and Grosse Pointe Academy for creating the heartfelt cards.
A special thank you to event sponsors: Wolverine Packing Co., Jeffrey Smith and Lisa Vallee-Smith, Frank Rewold & Sons, the Veterans Garden Committee of the Grosse Pointe Garden Center, Louisa St. Clair Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, The Helm, and for all who took part in helping The War Memorial fulfill its mission by way of this event to honor those who served, enrich our community, and deliver exceptional experiences.
For more details on patriotic programming at The War Memorial, visit warmemorial.org/patriotic.
About The War Memorial
The War Memorial, located on the shores of Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Farms, is an experiential space open to everyone. For over 75 years, this nonprofit organization has served as a patriotic, cultural, and community center, offering a wide range of innovative programs for all ages. Annually, The War Memorial welcomes thousands of guests for community events, educational programming, and private gatherings in its unique and historic setting.
At its core, The War Memorial celebrates the ideas of American democracy while honoring those who have defended these ideals with tireless effort and personal sacrifice. As a dynamic and forward-thinking hub for southeast Michigan, The War Memorial remains committed to inspiring and enriching the community through unparalleled experiences. This includes a steadfast commitment to patriotic programming that honors the legacy of service members and amplifies the voices of veterans through storytelling, education, and public engagement.
###
CONTACT:
Alex Szwarc, The War Memorial
Patriotic Programming and Communications Administrator
313.881.7514, aszwarc@warmemorial.org