Three-generation family of first responders receives Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards for their service on 9/11.

The Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards are being held once more, coinciding with the anniversary of 9/11.

The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project's annual awards dinner recognizes individuals or groups who embody the organization's mission of providing care, support, and encouragement to U.S. military service members.

In 2024, Nashville's City Winery will host an event to honor several Patriot Award recipients, including broadcaster Storme Warren, former NYPD commissioner Bernie Kerick, and Tom Higgins, head of general services at Fiserv Incorporated in Milwaukee.

The Vigiano family of Long Island, New York, a three-generation family of first responders, will be honored, including those who tragically lost their lives while serving on 9/11.

In an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, David Corlew, Daniels' longtime manager and president of the Journey Home Project, praised patriarch John Vigiano as "one heroic son of a gun."

John Vigiano, a former FDNY firefighter, had two sons, one who became a firefighter and the other a police officer.

"It’s an amazing story of how patriotism is generational."

The two sons reacted to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, but unfortunately did not survive.

After 9/11, Detective Joseph Vigiano's three sons - Joseph, James, and John - all served with the NYPD or the military.

"Joe Vigiano was a natural-born hero, as stated by Corlew, and was one of the first to enter the towers, fulfilling his divine destiny."

He remarked, "The tale is remarkable in illustrating how patriotism is passed down through generations."

The Charlie Daniels team honored Kathleen Vigiano, a retired police officer and volunteer EMT, and her sons, Joseph Jr. and James, in an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital.

"It is nice to know that people don't forget, and that they remember that sacrifice on 9/11."

NYPD police officer Joseph Vigiano Jr. stated, "In my opinion, I haven't accomplished anything unique."

"I work with many exceptional individuals and outstanding men who are equally deserving of recognition for their hard work."

"It's humbling to know that people remember the sacrifice made on 9/11 and the sacrifices of my father, uncle, and grandfather, who searched for victims every day."

During the attacks, Joseph Jr.'s father was part of Harlem's Emergency Service Squad Two, while his uncle was assigned to Brooklyn's Ladder 132.

Joseph Vigiano Jr. stated that both individuals responded to the World Trade Center and unfortunately perished when the tower collapsed.

After many years of service, FDNY captain John Vigiano retired, his grandfather.

John Vigiano, after losing both of his sons on 9/11, dedicated his life to expressing gratitude to America's military and first responders, his grandson stated.

Joseph Vigiano Jr. stated that not following in his family's footsteps was originally the plan.

"He stated that as children, we each had distinct career aspirations, and his was to become a paleontologist."

"After my father's passing, the NYPD welcomed my family with open arms, and this experience inspired me to pursue a career in law enforcement."

Joseph Vigiano Jr. wants to make other first responders aware that their sacrifice "is recognized."

"Our family suffered on 9/11, and you took the fight. We remember and appreciate what you've done for us and our country."

John Vigiano, serving in Hawaii with the U.S. Marine Corps, makes his mother, Kathleen Vigiano, proud.

"She expressed her pride in her boys and thanked them for being acknowledged by the Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project for their service."

The Patriot Awards ceremony, which is usually held in October, will take place on 9/11 this year to symbolically honor all those who served.

He stated on Planet Chronicle Digital that hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals who went above and beyond human nature to save, restore, and care for us on 9/11 should be honored.

The event will have special guests, including military consultant Mark "Oz" Geist, known for his bravery in Benghazi, and country star Trace Adkins.