The National WWII Museum Announces 2026 American Spirit Award Honorees
NEW ORLEANS (March 19, 2026) — The National WWII Museum is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the American Spirit Award, the Museum’s highest honor. The award recognizes individuals and organizations who, through their life’s work, exemplify the outstanding qualities of the American spirit and inspire these values in others.
This year’s recipients include the trailblazing women wartime workers popularly known as “Rosie the Riveters,” acclaimed composer and conductor John Williams and prominent ALS advocate and former NFL player Steve Gleason. Honorees will be recognized at the annual American Spirit Awards Celebration on the Museum’s campus in New Orleans on June 4-6. The festivities will kick off Thursday evening with a patron reception presented by the Stephen G. and Regina Oswald Foundation and continue Friday night with the American Spirit Awards Gala. Additionally, the Museum will mark the 82nd anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy on Saturday during the Museum’s signature Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration.
“The American Spirit Award is a powerful reminder of the enduring qualities that guided our nation through World War II — resilience, innovation, sacrifice and unity behind a common cause,” said Stephen J. Watson, President & CEO of The National WWII Museum. “This year’s honorees demonstrate these values through service to country, dedication to craft and a lifelong commitment to excellence. Their contributions have helped shape our national story and continue to inspire new generations to lead with integrity and purpose.”
The 2026 American Spirit Award honorees reflect the importance of honoring those who served during World War II, sharing their stories and carrying on their legacies:
- John Williams will be honored for inspiring audiences worldwide through his musical 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.
THURSDAY, June 4, 2026
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.