The sixth annual Patriot Awards recognize America's everyday heroes, with President-elect Trump in attendance.

Nine categories were honored at Thursday's awards ceremony in NY, including recipients such as the incoming president.

The sixth annual Patriot Awards recognize America's everyday heroes, with President-elect Trump in attendance.
The sixth annual Patriot Awards recognize America's everyday heroes, with President-elect Trump in attendance.

In the aftermath of a tumultuous and historic election season, Americans come together to honor everyday heroes across the country at Long Island's top concert hall.

At the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in Brookeville, N.Y., the sixth annual Patriot Awards were presented by Planet Chronicle host Sean Hannity. A total of nine awards were given to individuals who excelled in their service to community and country.

Here is a look at this year's award recipients:

President-elect Donald Trump wins 'Patriot of the Year'

PATRIOT OF THE YEAR - PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD J. TRUMP

In 2024, President-elect Donald Trump had a historic year, facing legal battles, assassination attempts, and ultimately winning the presidential election.

During Thursday's show, the outgoing president was honored with the Fox Nation "Patriot of the Year Award" as he prepares for his return to the White House.

Trump stated that they will achieve it again, very quickly, as they have no choice. He also mentioned that they will do something he has been discussing for eight years. Trump emphasized the need to do it again.

"We're going to be very proud of our country again."

Retired general earns 'Ultimate Patriot Award' after Hurricane Helene disaster aid

FOX WEATHER ULTIMATE PATRIOT AWARD - GENERAL DICK CODY

In September, when communities in the southeast were hit by Hurricane Helene, Gen. Richard "Dick" Cody, a former Army vice chief of staff, provided aid to North Carolina residents who were affected by a catastrophic event of biblical proportions.

Cody was awarded the "Ultimate Patriot Award" by "America's Newsroom" co-anchors Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino, in recognition of his service to the affected communities in North Carolina. Samaritan's Purse COO Edward Graham was present on stage to receive the award.

I was one of the 100 helicopter pilots who answered the call to duty once again for the devastation in North Carolina. There were many civilian helicopters, active duty helicopter pilots, and others who worked tirelessly. I accept this award on their behalf, as they did an exceptional job.

In response to the historic flooding and devastation that nearly destroyed entire communities in the Tar Heel State, volunteers flocked to the area to assist with rescue and recovery efforts.

Cody, a volunteer, flew his helicopter to deliver emergency supplies to residents in the western Appalachian region, including generators, fuel, and blankets.

Cody reminded viewers not to forget the people in North Carolina after accepting his award, emphasizing that their work is not yet finished. He urged viewers to continue supporting and praying for them.

Fallen NYPD officer earns 'T2T Stephen Siller Back the Blue Award'

T2T STEPHEN SILLER BACK THE BLUE AWARD - JONATHAN DILLER

In March, a routine traffic stop for the Diller family turned into a tragic event when NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller was shot and killed in Queens by a suspect with a history of over 20 prior arrests, sparking outrage across the nation.

Diller's 1-year-old son and wife, Stephanie, accepted the "T2T Stephen Siller Back the Blue Award" on his behalf.

Receiving this award from Stephen Siller tonight is especially special for me because he, too, lost his father and is supporting us. Looking at him, I feel hopeful that my son will be okay.

In March, a man named Guy Rivera, 34, was allegedly involved in a shooting incident during a traffic stop conducted by Diller and his partner in Far Rockaway, Queens. Rivera, who was in the passenger seat, is accused of firing first at police, killing Diller in the torso below his protective vest.

Both Rivera and the driver of the vehicle, 41-year-old Lindy Jones, were reportedly hospitalized after being struck by return fire. Both individuals had at least 20 prior arrests, according to New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Despite the tragedy we experienced, we will not lead a tragic existence, but rather one that honors the legacy and spirit of Jonathan, as Stephanie stated.

Indiana teen earns 'Young Patriot' award for refusing to remove flag from truck: 'Men and women have died for that flag'

YOUNG PATRIOT AWARD - CAMERON BLASEK

In 2021, Cameron Blasek, a senior in high school, refused to remove the American flag from his backpack after school administrators in St. Leon, Ind., allegedly tried to stop him.

The "Young Patriot Award" was presented to Blasek by Harris Faulkner and Tomi Lahren of "The Faulkner Focus" and OutKick, respectively, due to his dedication to the flag.

Blasek stated that he was both humbled and proud to receive the award tonight.

"To the courageous individuals who dedicate their lives to protecting our nation, I express my gratitude. Your unwavering commitment to our country's safety embodies the spirit of patriotism. Although I faced the possibility of suspension and expulsion for standing up for what I believed in, your sacrifices are far greater."

During his senior year, Blasek displayed an American flag on his truck, but school officials informed him that it violated school rules and had to be taken down.

The senior at high school refused to remove the flag, motivating other students to showcase American flags. Blasek received a red, white, and blue truck from GCI Digital, a company based in Cincinnati.

Blasek thanked a family from Hollis, Okla. who had a 13-year-old battling cancer who wanted to take a ride in his patriotic truck after accepting his award Thursday night.

"My father and I made it happen when he requested his final ride in my truck. We drove down there and completed it. I want to express my gratitude for their acceptance into my life."

Veterans Affairs whistleblowers awarded with 'Salute to Service' for bravery: 'Our veterans deserve the best'

SALUTE TO SERVICE AWARD - PAULA PEDENE & DR. SAM FOOTE

A decade ago, Paula Pedene and Dr. Sam Foote, then-Veterans Affairs employees, exposed the agency for allegedly not adequately serving the country's veterans.

The "Salute to Service Award" was presented to Pedene and Foote by "Fox & Friends Weekend" co-hosts Will Cain and Rachel Campos-Duffy to commemorate a decade since they came forward.

"Pedene stated that the VA is still at a crossroads," she said while accepting the award on behalf of herself and Foote.

"Our veterans deserve the best."

The whistleblower colleagues not only exposed one of the largest scandals in VA history, but also prompted major reforms that ensured better care for future generations of veterans.

"Whistleblowers, your fight is a good one, even though it's tough. We appreciate your efforts in bringing truth and accountability. Thank you," she said.

Veteran has surprise reunion with a special pup from overseas

AWARD FOR SERVICE TO VETERANS - PAWS OF WAR

The "Service to Veterans Award" was given to Paws of War for assisting in the rescue of hundreds of dogs and cats brought back to the US by U.S. troops serving abroad.

During the Patriot Awards, Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War, stated that military members serving overseas are trained for a lot, but not for finding pets they fall in love with. When they return, there are few options for them to bring their furry friends back. This is what Paws of War does.

Paws of War, a non-profit founded in 2014, aims to ease the pain of veterans, first responders, and their families through various programs, including the provision of service dogs. The organization has assisted nearly 1,000 veterans since its inception.

Army National Guard Specialist Cameron Clay was surprised by a reunion with a dog he rescued while overseas during a performance on stage with Misseri.

"I'm speechless with gratitude," Clay said, hugging his furry companion. "I'm so grateful to everyone involved in this process, including Paws of War and the base personnel who helped me. This is incredible. I can't even comprehend my emotions right now. It's just so fantastic. Thank you, everyone."

Kirk Cameron awarded 'Culture Warrior' for books: 'We have to get to the hearts and minds of our children'

CULTURE WARRIOR AWARD - KIRK CAMERON

Kirk Cameron's children's book As You Grow faced opposition from libraries nationwide, leading to a movement against woke entertainment for children.

The "Culture Warrior Award" was presented to Cameron by "The Story" anchor Martha MacCallum and Planet Chronicle contributor Tyrus, in recognition of his efforts to safeguard traditional family values across the country.

Cameron expressed gratitude for being included in the evening's important event, which honored unsung heroes across the country. He emphasized the importance of shaping the future by reaching the hearts and minds of children and grandchildren.

After publishing his children's book, Cameron has consistently released books and organized a "See You at the Library" event in August, which attracted 30,000 attendees at libraries nationwide.

"I am convinced that God has granted us a fresh day," Cameron stated. "There is a palpable sense of optimism and hope in the atmosphere. We can now see the future more clearly. I sincerely believe that heaven's clocks run on schedule. The past four years have given us a glimpse into the future we could have envisioned. As a nation, I believe we have narrowly escaped a catastrophe."

In an attempt to address the current "woke" state of children's entertainment, Cameron's latest venture is a new Christian children's show that aims to be a modern-day Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.

Deacon surprised by pastor he rescued from gunman while being awarded for bravery

AWARD FOR BRAVERY - CLARENCE MCCALLISTER

During a Sunday afternoon service, a deacon acted quickly to prevent a gunman from harming a pastor.

The Pennsylvania preacher was defended by Clarence McCallister, who was awarded the "Award for Bravery" for his heroic and selfless actions.

"We're all heroes in America, with the heart to do whatever it takes," McCallister stated.

At Jesus' Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock, Penn., McCallister was recording the service when 26-year-old Bernard Polite entered the pulpit with a gun aimed at Pastor Glenn Germany.

The gunman was tackled by the deacon, who managed to remove the weapon from his possession until the police arrived.

Germany surprised McCallister on stage, thanking the deacon for his selfless act.

Germany expressed gratitude to God for safeguarding him and keeping him under watch. He also thanked God for ensuring the safety of the angel inside their building.

"I forgave the young man who attempted that, and it's all about us loving and helping young men and women going through mental illness."

UNC fraternity brothers awarded for defending flag against mob: 'Listen to what the red, white and blue truly means to us'

The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Phi Delta Theta Fraternity brothers were awarded for their courage.

Pro-Palestinian protesters attempted to replace the American flag with a Palestinian flag during a violent protest at the University of North Carolina's Phi Delta Theta fraternity, which drew national attention.

The "Award for Courage" was given to two fraternity brothers, Guillermo Estrada and Alex Jones, for their group's brave act of patriotism.

Jones stated that the support from individuals nationwide, in addition to those present in the room, has been both inspiring and humbling.

The fraternity brothers held up the fallen American flag after an hour of screaming, slurring, and flying objects. A GoFundMe was launched to throw a party for the fraternities involved, which raised over half a million dollars by the time donations closed.

"Estrada stated that when they witnessed their flag being torn down, they did not hesitate because the flag symbolizes the hope that led their parents to the United States 20 years ago. The flag represents the promise of liberty and prosperity that makes America a beacon to the world. To those who question the flag's significance, Estrada invites them to speak with families like his from Goldsboro, North Carolina, and listen to the true meaning of the red, white, and blue."

The sixth Patriot Awards ceremony hosted by Fox Nation brought people together to honor America's everyday heroes and celebrate their love for the country. To stay updated on patriotic content and future events, sign up for Fox Nation today.

Watch your favorite Fox Nation personalities' extensive library on-demand through the mobile device app, but only for Fox Nation subscribers. Start a free trial on Fox Nation to access the content.

This report was contributed to by Bradford Betz, Greg Wehner, Michael Ruiz, Danielle Wallace, Jasmine Baehr, Angelica Stabile, Courtney O'Brien, Kendall Tietz, Taylor Penley, and Nikolas Lanum from Planet Chronicle Digital.

by Madeline Coggins

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