Happy Valley Farms had the privilege of hosting the 2025 Medal of Honor Sponsor Dinner, one of the signature events during the weeklong Medal of Honor Celebration in Chattanooga. The celebration, organized by the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, brings together the nation’s living recipients and the communities who honor them each year.
On this October evening, more than thirty recipients arrived at the farm escorted by local police and motorcycle officers through the streets of St. Elmo. The dinner took place on the tented terrace behind Hutcheson Hall, where guests were welcomed with a patriotic presentation and impactful speeches.
Throughout the evening, various leaders and Medal of Honor Recipients shared reflections about courage, sacrifice, and the meaning of service. Civil War reenactors were also present, offering a visual connection to the previous generations of service members who have defended our nation’s freedoms.
Jim and Regina Anthony, the owners of Happy Valley Farms, expressed their gratitude to the recipients, sponsors, and organizers for their continued commitment to preserving these stories.
“We honor the past to inspire the present and build hope for the future,” he said.
That spirit of remembrance felt particularly meaningful at Happy Valley Farms, a property originally developed by John L. Hutcheson Jr., whose Peerless Woolen Mills produced blankets and uniforms for the U.S. military during World Wars I and II and the Korean War. Nearly a century later, the same land once tied to the service of soldiers became a place to honor those who embody the highest ideals of valor and humility.
The Medal of Honor Celebration continues to remind us that honoring heroes is not only about remembering history, but also about carrying forward the values that define it. For everyone involved, the evening at Happy Valley Farms was a heartfelt expression of gratitude and respect for those who serve.
Photo Credit: Ryan Pierce Photography
Florals: Chickamauga Florist
Rentals: Luma Designs
Catering: Events with Taste
A/V: Sound Force
