Michigan Day 2025 was a day to remember! On Sunday, July 27th, more than 200 Michiganders from across the state gathered at the VFW National Home campus to celebrate community and connection. The festivities kicked off bright and early with a lively fishing contest at Lake Romanis near the scout cabin. Excitement buzzed as one young angler mistook a bluegill for a piranha—setting the playful tone for the day! As the morning unfolded, families enjoyed a wide array of activities: a coin search, colorful piñatas, face painting, bingo, and endless lawn games kept smiles on every face.
Guests roamed the beautiful campus, with returning visitors admiring recent updates and first-timers soaking in the sights while learning about the VFW National Home’s heartfelt mission. The museum welcomed curious minds to explore its rich history, while the campus store buzzed with excitement over brand-new apparel and souvenirs.
The official program began with a warm welcome from VFW National Home Executive Director Mike Wilson. He announced the winner of the crowd-pleasing .1K Fun Run—congratulations to our 2025-2026 Buddy Poppy Child, Lachlan! State Commander Reinold Yahnka and Auxiliary President Debbie Scheetz then took the stage, speaking passionately about the vital role the VFW National Home plays in the lives of Michigan veterans and their families.
As the afternoon wrapped up, anticipation filled the air during the raffle basket drawings. Districts from across Michigan contributed creative, eye-catching baskets, adding to the fun and excitement of the event. A huge thank you goes out to every district that donated and made the raffle a highlight of the day!
Mike Wilson returned to share inspiring news about exciting campus developments, including major infrastructure improvements and the innovative Veterans Regenerative Agriculture Demonstration Farm (VRAD) program. The day ended on a high note with the much-anticipated parade of checks—Michigan supporters raised over $25,000 for the VFW National Home!
Thank you to everyone who made Michigan Day 2025 unforgettable! Your support and generosity power our mission every day. Want to relive the magic? Check out our event photo gallery at the link below.
