American Spirit Awards

The American Spirit Awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose work reflects the values and spirit of those who served our country during the World War II years. We honor those who inspire others through their own acts of courage, sacrifice, initiative, and generosity—particularly in the areas of leadership, service to country or community, and education.

The Billy Michal Student Leadership Award is presented annually to one student from each state and the District of Columbia who demonstrates the American spirit in his or her community. The values of leadership, teamwork, tolerance, creativity, and perseverance can and should be learned and lived by all Americans regardless of age.

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Proceeds from the American Spirit Awards support educational programming at The National WWII Museum—including the ongoing development of classroom materials and professional-development opportunities for teachers in schools across the country, as well as online experiences that bring the Museum and its resources to students around the world.

2026 Photo Gallery

Thank you to all our sponsors and attendees for making the 2026 American Spirit Awards a tremendous success. Your presence and generous support allowed us to honor the extraordinary legacies of Steve Gleason, John Williams, and the Rosie the Riveters while advancing The National WWII Museum’s vital educational mission.

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2026 Honorees

Rosie the Riveters: America’s Women Wartime Workers

During World War II, millions of women on the Home Front answered the call to support their country by joining the wartime workforce. As men left for military service, labor shortages in defense-related industries created unprecedented opportunities for women, many of whom were entering the workforce for the very first time. Jobs that had long been reserved for men suddenly opened; in factories and shipyards across the nation, Rosies from all backgrounds worked side by side to meet the demands of wartime production. Despite facing discrimination, women workers took on demanding roles and mastered technical skills such as welding, riveting, aircraft assembly and munitions manufacturing. Their labor not only helped produce critical supplies to support the Allied forces but also challenged traditional gender roles. Through their determination and patriotism, Rosies reshaped women’s place in American society, and their legacy of courage, resilience, and ingenuity continues to inspire women and girls around the world today.

John Williams

Composer and conductor John Williams is one of our nation’s most distinguished and contributive musical voices, inspiring audiences across generations through his exploration of the “American sound.” A New York native, Williams joined the US Air Force in 1951, composing and performing in the Air Force Band before studying piano and composition at Juilliard. Over his nearly seven-decade career, Williams has written hundreds of works for media and the concert stage, including some of cinema’s most recognizable scores. His music for Saving Private Ryan and Schindler’s List has helped bring the history and emotional weight of World War II and the Holocaust to life for millions of people around the world. Beyond film, Williams has composed multiple symphonies and concertos and served as music director of the Boston Pops Orchestra for 14 seasons, where he remains Laureate Conductor. Among his countless industry and international honors, he has won five Academy Awards and received 54 nominations, the most of any living person and the second-most in history.

Steve Gleason

Since being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2011, Steve Gleason has been a tireless advocate for people living with the terminal neuromuscular disease. A former safety for the New Orleans Saints from 2000 to 2008, he is forever linked to his iconic blocked punt in the first game at the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina—a defining moment of hope and resilience for the City of New Orleans. Gleason committed himself to changing the narrative around ALS after his diagnosis, proving that individuals with the disease can continue to lead purposeful, empowered lives. He and his wife, Michel Varisco, founded Team Gleason, which has provided more than $65 million in technology, equipment, care services, and experiences to people living with ALS and their families, while advancing technologies and care for the future. In addition, Gleason founded Answer ALS, a groundbreaking initiative that created the world’s most comprehensive open-access ALS datasets, accelerating treatments and a cure. He has also helped expand patients’ rights and access to communication devices, earning honors including the Congressional Gold Medal. Gleason’s living legacy is one of perseverance, innovation, and compassion, and an enduring source of inspiration and courage for anyone facing adversity.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

2026 American Spirit Awards Selection Committee

James E. Maurin, Chair
Jacquelin Sewell Atkinson
John M. Hairston
Jeffery D. Hildebrand
Suzanne T. Mestayer
Pete November
Glenn J. Solomon
Ted Weggeland
Stephen J. Watson

Ticket and Sponsorship Information

Thank you for your interest in supporting the American Spirit Awards.

Details on tickets and sponsorships for the 2027 American Spirit Awards will be released early next year. Please contact Fundraising Events at FundraisingEvents@NationalWW2Museum.org or 504-528-1944 x 806 with any questions or to discuss other ways to support the Museum and its mission.

2026 Sponsors