A celebration dedicated to honoring 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.
Watch NowWWII Veteran, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist.
Photo Credit: Linda M. Barrett, photographerCelebrated Literary Scholar, Journalist, and Cultural Critic
Presidential Historian and Best-Selling Author.
Photo Credit: Annie Leibovitz, photographerRenowned WWII and Military Historian
WWII Veteran and 56th Secretary of State
Photo Credit: Annie Leibovitz, photographerAvid Aviator and Veteran Advocate
Groundbreaking NASA Mathematicians.
Photo Credit: Annie Leibovitz, photographerHolocaust Survivor, Educator, and Activist
First Latina General in the US Marine Corps
Transatlantic WWII Army Nurse
Decorated WWII Veteran and Civil Rights Attorney
WWII Aviator and Home Front Heroes Advocate
The Billy Michal Student Leadership Award is given annually to one student from each state and the District of Columbia who demonstrates the American spirit in his or her community. Through this award, The National WWII Museum promotes these values to students nationwide and honors those who exemplify them.
LEARN MORESpecial thanks to Bennett Awards for providing the medallions for American Spirit Award honorees.
The ceremony begins at 7:00 p.m. (CT) on Friday, June 18, with a pre-show countdown starting at 6:30 p.m. (CT). If you are outside of the US central time zone, convert the event’s start time using the World Clock Tool.
Some time before the start of the event, please take the time to review system requirements, and check your internet speed. If you are having trouble accessing the portal on the day of the event, you will be able to call us at 504-274-1293 for assistance.
Starting at 6:30 p.m. on June 18, visit portal.americanspiritawards.org to join the pre-show countdown. If you have any technical questions during the program, the help line at 504-274-1293 will be able to assist you.
First, try a hard refresh of the page. To do so, click the refresh button (often found near your browser's address bar). If that doesn't work, call the support line at 504-274-1293.
Have questions? Give us a call at 504-274-1293