THURSDAY, June 4, 2026
American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Party presented by the Stephen G. and Regina Oswald Foundation
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Louisiana Memorial Pavilion
Cocktail Attire
Kick off the weekend at this welcoming cocktail reception with live, local music and cuisine.

Inspiring America: The Music of John Williams
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
Casual Attire 
Following the Recipient and Patron Party, guests will enjoy a musical tribute to 2026 American Spirit Award Recipient John Williams, performed by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

FRIDAY, June 5, 2026
Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon presented by Kevin Clifford Family
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
Business Attire
Leading through example is a hallmark of the Museum’s honorees, and at the Leadership Forum and luncheon, American Spirit Award recipients will share their experiences with student leaders from throughout the country, offering motivating advice to tomorrow’s leaders. 

2026 American Spirit Awards Gala
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
Formal Attire
Join us for an elegant black-tie gala on a night that will truly inspire. Following a three-course dinner, the Museum will present its highest honor to deserving Americans who inspire greatness in all of us.

For more information, contact us at fundraisingevents@nationalww2museum.org.

Rosie the Riveters: America’s Women Wartime Workers

During World War II, millions of women on the Home Front answered the call to serve 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 and resistance, women workers took on demanding roles and mastered complex technical skills such as welding, riveting, aircraft assembly and munitions manufacturing. Their labor not only helped produce critical supplies to support the Allied fighting 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 
• Jeffrey D. Hildebrand 
• Suzanne T. Mestayer 
• Pete November 
• Glenn J. Solomon 
• Ted Weggeland 
• Stephen J. Watson

If you are interested in supporting the American Spirit Awards as a sponsor, please contact Fundraising Events at FundraisingEvents@NationalWW2Museum.org or 504-528-1944 x 806.

All sponsorship levels include recognition on official event materials, on The National WWII Museum’s website, and in the Museum’s Annual Report, in addition to the tiered event benefits outlined below.

Gold Sponsor: $100,000

Includes: 

• 20 invitations to the American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Party (June 4)
• 20 invitations to Inspiring America: The Music of John Williams (June 4) 
• 1 table (10 invitations) at the Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon (June 5) 
• 2 tables (20 invitations) at the American Spirit Awards Gala (June 5) 
• Verbal recognition at American Spirit Awards Celebration Events 

Silver Sponsor: $50,000

Includes: 

• 10 invitations to the American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Party (June 4) 
• 10 invitations to Inspiring America: The Music of John Williams (June 4) 
• 1 table (10 invitations) at the Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon (June 5) 
• 1 table (10 invitations) at the American Spirit Awards Gala (June 5) 

Bronze Sponsor: $25,000 

Includes: 

• 10 invitations to the American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Party (June 4) 
• 10 invitations to Inspiring America: The Music of John Williams (June 4) 
• 1 table (10 invitations) at the Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon (June 5) 
• 1 table (10 invitations) at the American Spirit Awards Gala (June 5)

Patron Sponsor: $10,000

Includes: 

• 4 invitations to the American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Party (June 4) 
• 4 invitations to Inspiring America: The Music of John Williams (June 4)
• 4 invitations to the Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon (June 5)
• 4 invitations to the American Spirit Awards Gala (June 5)

Individual Tickets 

$1,500 Patriots Circle Member Ticket* (Limit 2)
Includes admission to: 

• Inspiring America: The Music of John Williams
• Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon
• American Spirit Awards Gala 

*Active Patriots Circle Membership required

$2,500 Individual Ticket (Limit 2)
Includes admission to: 

• Inspiring America: The Music of John Williams
• Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon 
• American Spirit Awards Gala 

Recipient and Patron Party Presenting Sponsor

Stephen G. and Regina Oswald Foundation

Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum Presenting Sponsor

Kevin Clifford Family

Silver Sponsors

Phil Satre

Bronze Sponsors

Michael S. Bylen

First Horizon Foundation

Jimmy and Lillian Maurin

Ted Weggeland, Greg Kowalksi, and Glenn Solomon

Jeffery D. Hildebrand

Liskow

Lockton

Patron Sponsors

Nims Carazo Foundation

Christine T. Whitman

Kim and Scott Martin

Jones Walker

AT&T