Respect for Veterans Breakfast – November 12, 2025

Anthony Bordoley at Respect for Veterans breakfast 2025

Respect for Veterans Breakfast – November 12, 2025

Honoring Our Veterans at the Breakfast with the Optimists

This morning I had the privilege of attending the “Respect for Veterans” breakfast hosted by the Farmington/Farmington Hills Optimist Club. It was a powerful and inspiring event that brought together community members, veterans, club members and local leaders to recognize and celebrate those who have served our country.

From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere was respectful and uplifting. The club welcomed guests warmly, and the breakfast provided a lovely setting for reflection, gratitude, and connection. The event reinforced the mission of the Optimist Club: to “inspire and support the communities of Farmington and Farmington Hills through service and positive development programs.”
 

Why this matters

Events like today’s are so important: they give veterans the acknowledgment and appreciation they deserve, and they also bring together the wider community to show respect and build stronger bonds. The Optimist philosophy — “bringing out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves” — is perfectly aligned with showing up for our veterans and making service visible.
 

Highlights from the morning

  • I appreciated the chance to sit with veterans and hear pieces of their stories; even a small conversation made it clear how meaningful it is for them to be seen and thanked.
  • The event was such a comfortable and welcoming setting that it made it easy to engage.
  • The breakfast format allowed folks to mingle, connect and share thoughts about service, sacrifice and community.
  • I left with a renewed sense of gratitude for those who served, and a sense of optimism for how individuals and clubs like this can make a difference.

 

What I’m taking away

  • A reminder: we all have a role in showing thanks. Whether a handshake, a word of gratitude or attending an event, it matters.
  • The power of local service organisations: The Optimist Club demonstrates how consistent, positive presence in a community lifts everyone.
  • The importance of keeping these traditions alive: Respect for veterans is not just on one day, but should be woven into our community’s fabric.

 

Looking ahead

I’m inspired to support more events like this and encourage others to do the same. If you’re local to Farmington/Farmington Hills, I invite you to explore the Optimist Club, get involved, or simply attend one of their upcoming gatherings — there’s real community energy there. You can start at their website: https://f2hoptimists.org/

Thank you to the Farmington/Farmington Hills Optimist Club for hosting this morning’s breakfast, and most importantly — thank you to our veterans for your service and sacrifice. Because of you, our community is stronger.