By Michele Justic
December 5, 2024. The Tilles Center in Brookville, Long Island was the site of FOX Nation’s Patriot Awards, with a sold-out crowd arriving to honor U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who was the recipient of the “Patriot of the Year” award for 2024. Hosted by Long Island Native and top-rated FOX News prime-time host Sean Hannity, those in attendance left with a greater appreciation for patriotism, heroism, and those who live a life of honor and duty.
Sean Hannity set the tone for the evening: “It’s not about me, it’s not about us; it’s about the stories of people—everyday patriots—who make our country great and whose extraordinary acts of courage often go unnoticed.”
Who do we honor as a society? At the OSCARS® and Emmy® awards, golden statues are awarded to famous actors whose value systems most likely do not align with ours. On Thursday, December 5, true stars graced the stage to receive a plaque formed from steel retrieved from Ground Zero, a reminder of the many unsung heroes in our nation’s history.
Awards were presented by FOX News Media personalities, including Will Cain, Rachel Campos-Duffy, Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt, Harris Faulkner, Bill Hemmer, Abby Hornacek, Lydia Hu, Laura Ingraham, Johnny Joey Jones, Lawrence Jones, Brian Kilmeade, Martha MacCallum, Dana Perino, Judge Jeanine Pirro, Jesse Watters, and more.
Courtesy Fox Nation
Judge Jeanine Pirro presented Stephanie Diller with the “Stephen Siller Back the Blue” award in posthumous recognition of her husband Jonathan, who was killed in action by a career criminal at a traffic stop in Rockaway. Mrs. Diller exclaimed, “Although we have suffered this tragedy, we will not live a tragic life. We will live a life that supports the legacy and spirit of who Jonathan was. I would like to thank FOX News, Tunnel to Towers, the NYPD, and the entire nation who showed support and prove that it’s okay to support our officers. I know Jonathan is as proud as I am that I am sharing the stage with Donald Trump, and I hope that Jonathan’s story resonates with people and they realize that police officers are people: they are mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers. And they go out there every day and risk their lives for our communities.”
Robert Misseri accepted the Award for Service on behalf of the organization he co-founded, Paws of War. Misseri explained their mission, “For 10 years, we have been rescuing animals from shelters in Baltimore to bases in Baghdad. And we fortunately have placed many dogs with veterans as service dogs. Service dogs are life changing for many veterans. Our motto is ‘helping both ends of the leash.’” Misseri also facilitated an emotional onstage reunion between Specialist Cameron Clay and the dog he rescued on deployment.
Indiana teen Cameron Blasek received the “Young Patriot” award, for refusing to take down an American flag from his truck after his school threatened suspension for not doing so.
Many recognize Kirk Cameron as a teen icon of the 80s, but he received the “Culture Warrior” award for his work promoting Judeo-Christian values in books and media, and his recent battle with local libraries for promoting story hours with those who lead alternative lifestyles, while not allowing his morality-based book readings. Cameron explained, “I think we all know that in order to shape the future we have to get to the hearts and minds of our children and to the grandchildren, and that’s what so many have tried to do, leading them in the wrong direction. What if the present cultural setback was really a divine setup for a spiritual comeback led by the family of faith?”
General Dick Cody received the “Weather Ultimate Patriot” award. General Cody, ’72, a WPAOG Distinguished Graduate of West Point, flew his helicopter to deliver supplies to victims of Hurricane Helene when the roads proved impassable to other relief efforts. “I was just one of probably a hundred helicopter pilots that showed up and answered the call of duty one more time for the devastation in North Carolina. A lot of civilian helicopters, a lot of active-duty helicopter pilots, and many who were younger than me showed up, so I accept this award humbly on behalf of all them, because they did some great work out there. Don’t forget the people in North Carolina. Our work is not done there yet.”
Paula Pedene and Dr. Sam Foote received the “Salute to Service” award after exposing Veterans Affairs departmental failures. Pedene stated, “Our veterans deserve the best. Our military men and women are on the frontlines today. Our nation’s veterans are standing there, supporting them. We owe a debt of gratitude to them.”
Clarence McCallister received the “Award for Bravery” for saving his pastor, Glenn A. Germany, from assault at their church in North Braddock, Pennsylvania. How did he have the bravery to risk gunfire that day? “We all have the heart to do whatever it takes to do what we need to do. We’re going to do anything to protect our children, we’re going to do anything to protect our loved ones.” Pastor Glenn German surprised McCallister on stage as well.
UNC students Guillermo Estrada and Alex Jones received the “Award for Courage” for their efforts to hold up the American flag when it was taken down by pro-Palestinian protestors on campus. Estrada, noted, “We didn’t hesitate when we saw our flag being torn down because this flag represents the beacon of hope that called my parents to this great country 20 years ago. The promise of liberty and prosperity that makes America a light to the world, that is what that flag represents and to those who for some reason question the importance of that flag, I invite you to sit down with families like mine from Goldsboro, North Carolina, families like Alex’s, and listen to what the red white and blue truly means to us.”
The legendary Mary Millben began the evening with a rousing performance of the National Anthem. Sean Hannity, whose comedic and impersonation talents are on par with his hosting talents, encouraged the crowd to join in the Trump dance and “YMCA.” Finally, Donald Trump joined in when Lee Greenwood began his traditional “G-d Bless the USA.” The President-elect received cheers and supportive chants when he began, “We had such a spectacular election.”
Trump reiterated promises to get immigration under control and the economy back on track, pointing to conversations with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. He echoed the thoughts of many, “I think you have seen more happen in the last two weeks than you have in the last four years.”
At the evening’s end, the over 2,000 elegantly-dressed attendees left with smiles and a bounce in their step, hopeful for a brighter future for America.
