Eight recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration for valor in combat, will be in Canton this weekend for the 2026 Patriot Ball, but residents will have an opportunity to meet the decorated American heroes a day earlier during a free public event.
M Bar Social will host a special Medal of Honor meet-and-greet Friday, Nov. 6, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., bringing together some of the nation’s most distinguished military veterans for an evening of recognition, appreciation and patriotism.
The event is completely free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to wear red to show their support for the veterans and their service to the country.
The eight Medal of Honor recipients scheduled to attend are Gary Littrell, Leroy Petry, Clint Romesha, Kenneth David, Sammy Davis, James McCloughan, Donald Ballard and Robert Patterson.
The gathering comes ahead of Saturday’s 2026 Patriot Ball, an annual black-tie gala hosted by The Patriot Project that honors military service members, veterans, Gold Star family members and first responders.
This year’s Patriot Ball will take place Saturday, Nov. 7, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Canton Memorial Civic Center.
The gala will feature military tributes, special ceremonies and appearances by several Medal of Honor recipients and other distinguished guests.
Cedric King, a retired Army master sergeant who lost both legs while serving in Afghanistan and went on to become an ultramarathon competitor and motivational speaker, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.
The evening will also feature performances and ceremonial appearances by the Green High School color guard and the Cleveland Police Pipe and Drum Band.
While Saturday’s Patriot Ball is a ticketed event, Friday’s gathering at M Bar Social offers the public a chance to personally meet the visiting military heroes without purchasing a ticket.
In addition to the eight Medal of Honor recipients, several other distinguished veterans and military leaders are expected to attend Friday’s event, including retired Army Col. Greg Gadson, Cedric King, Shilo Harris, Hershel Davis and Frank Hoagland.
Active-duty U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Lombardo is also scheduled to attend.
The opportunity to meet eight Medal of Honor recipients in one location is particularly rare. Event organizers estimate that approximately 65 recipients remain alive, with only about 26 healthy enough to travel regularly.
For M Bar Social owner Chris Maggiore, hosting the gathering is an opportunity to honor Americans whose courage and sacrifices transcend political differences.
“These men represent something bigger than politics or anything that divides us,” Maggiore said. “It doesn’t matter who you voted for or what you believe. These heroes served and sacrificed for every single one of us. To have them here, under one roof, and give people the opportunity to shake their hands and say thank you is something truly special.”
The Medal of Honor is awarded to military service members who distinguish themselves through extraordinary bravery and acts of valor, often at tremendous personal risk.
Friday’s gathering will bring together recipients whose military service spans several generations and conflicts, giving residents an opportunity to meet individuals whose actions have earned them the nation’s highest recognition for military heroism.
Organizers hope the event will serve as a reminder that honoring those who served is something Americans can come together to celebrate, regardless of their political beliefs.
The free meet-and-greet will take place Friday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at M Bar Social.
The 2026 Patriot Ball will follow Saturday evening at the Canton Memorial Civic Center, with tickets available through The Patriot Project’s event registration page.
