The City of North Charleston will host its annual Veterans Day tribute on Friday, November 10, 2023, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center, featuring Tara McClary Reeves, daughter of decorated wounded warrior, 1st Lt. Clebe McClary (USMC, Retired). We ask veterans and the public to join Mayor Keith Summey and City Council in this special ceremony. Each year, over 500 veterans in attendance are honored.
All veterans in attendance will be recognized and will receive a custom designed commemorative coin.
The Department of Defense and the Veterans Day National Committee once again selected North Charleston as a Regional Site for Veterans Day 2023. North Charleston is the only site in the State of South Carolina and has received this designation for 21 consecutive years.
2023 Keynote Speaker
A Lowcountry native, Tara McClary Reeves grew up on Pawleys Island, SC and graduated from Furman University. She is the wife of Lee: mother to Caroline, Daniel, and Harrison: and daughter of Clebe and Deanna McClary. Tara’s father was serving as a platoon leader in the US Marine Corp’s First Reconnaissance when the unit was attacked by the Viet Cong. Lieutenant McClary was seriously wounded, losing his left arm and left eye, yet he continued to lead his men. Clebe received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts for his courage and bravery. The numerous surgeries and long recovery period that followed could have taken a bitter toll on the McClary family, but they faced Clebe’s rehabilitation with character, gratitude, and determination.
Tara has penned six books, including the award-winning children's book "The Knight and the Firefly." Her family's story of resilience and faith in the face of her father's wartime injuries is captured in "Is Your Dad a Pirate?" In addition, Tara co-authored "The Chosen for Kids," a 40-day devotional based on the popular TV.