{"id":16927,"date":"2026-04-08T17:24:01","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T17:24:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jwfan.com\/?p=16927"},"modified":"2026-04-08T17:24:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T17:24:42","slug":"john-williams-to-receive-american-spirit-award","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jwfan.com\/?p=16927","title":{"rendered":"John Williams to Receive American Spirit Award"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The National WWII Museum Announces 2026 American Spirit Award Honorees<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Recipients Include America\u2019s Real-Life \u2018Rosie the Riveters,\u2019 Acclaimed Composer John Williams, ALS Advocate Steve Gleason<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

NEW ORLEANS (March 19, 2026)<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 The National WWII Museum is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the American Spirit Award, the Museum\u2019s highest honor. The award recognizes individuals and organizations who, through their life\u2019s work, exemplify the outstanding qualities of the American spirit and inspire these values in others.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s recipients include the trailblazing women wartime workers popularly known as \u201cRosie the Riveters,\u201d 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\u2019s 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\u2019s signature Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe American Spirit Award is a powerful reminder of the enduring qualities that guided our nation through World War II \u2014 resilience, innovation, sacrifice and unity behind a common cause,\u201d said Stephen J. Watson, President & CEO of The National WWII Museum. \u201cThis year\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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:<\/p>\n