The National WWII Museum hosted the American Spirit Awards, presented by Hancock Whitney, on May 23-24 across its New Orleans campus, culminating in an inspiring awards ceremony honoring individuals whose contributions embody the values of the World War II generation.
The event began on Thursday, May 23, with the American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Reception presented by Ochsner Health. Friday’s schedule was packed, starting with the American Spirit Awards Billy Michel Student Leadership Forum and concluding with the gala that evening.
This year’s honorees included the pioneering Tuskegee Airmen, represented by Lt. Col. George E. Hardy, U.S. Air Force (Retired); four-star General Ann E. Dunwoody, U.S. Army (Retired); and Oscar-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg.
“The American Spirit Award honors those who have made a lifelong commitment to upholding the values that united our country during World War II,” said Stephen J. Watson, president and CEO of The National WWII Museum. “Our honorees’ leadership, dedication, and service resonate throughout American history and culture, reminding us of the importance of these values in our communities today.”
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performed a tribute for Spielberg, featuring music from his films “Schindler’s List,” “Saving Private Ryan” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and the museum’s Victory Belles honored the Tuskegee Airmen with “The Fighting 99th.”
The evening closed with a stirring performance by singing action painter Joe Everson, who painted “Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima” while singing “God Bless America.”
The selection committee for the awards was chaired by Suzanne Mestayer.
Interesting Fact: Air Force JROTC Cadet Sophia Bailey presented Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody with a flag flown over The National WWII Museum in honor of her father, World War II veteran, Brigadier Gen. Harold Dunwoody.
