Melania Trump, Erika Kirk headline star-studded Patriot Awards ceremony

After a tumultuous year in politics, Fox News honored everyday Americans and the American spirit at the seventh annual Fox Nation Patriot Awards, hosted by Sean Hannity.

The 7th Annual Patriot Awards rocked New York’s Tails Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday night. With special appearances from First Lady Melania Trump, Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk and superstar country singer Jason Aldean to highlight the festivities, here’s a complete list of this year’s award winners.

First Lady of the United States Melania Trump speaks during a roundtable discussion on the “Take It Down Act” in the Mike Mansfield Room at the US Capitol on March 03, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)

“Patriot of the Year” – Melania Trump

Melania Trump’s honor comes after her husband, President Donald TrumpHe won the award at last year’s exhibition. The past 12 months have seen the First Lady participate in many local and global affairs, most notably her advocacy for children suffering from war in Ukraine.

She wrote a “message of peace” to Russian President Vladimir Putin last August, urging him to protect children and “nurturing the hope of the next generation.”

“Mr. Putin, you alone can restore their melodious laughter.” Read the message. He added: “By protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia alone; you will serve humanity itself.”

Melania Trump’s ‘message of peace’ to Putin praised by Osha Vance, who described her as a ‘pioneer’

Back in March, she was participating in a Capitol Hill Roundtable Discussion about Take it lawa bill aimed at limiting the spread of non-consensual intimate images online. With the help of bipartisan support, the legislation was signed into law on May 19.

Melania Trump too He spoke at the International Women of Courage Conference The awards ceremony in April will highlight the achievements of women around the world, including Israeli lawyer Amit Sosana, who survived 55 days in Hamas captivity after the October 7 attacks.

Mrs. Trump was honored for her determination and leadership in her role in the White House. Melania is often seen comforting children in hospitals, visiting troops and speaking with disaster survivors. The First Lady spoke about the importance of innovation and the American dream, offering encouraging words to those who are reaching for the stars.

Melania Trump was named FOX NATION’s “Patriot of the Year” for her global work on behalf of children

“When someone with conviction creates a song, movement or idea, it ripples outward, uniting our people,” she said. “Daring to chase your dream is the American way. Innovation is not an accident here, it is part of our DNA.”

US President Donald Trump posthumously awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk as he presents the medal to his wife Erica Kirk (L) during a ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House on October 14, 2025 in Washington, DC (Kevin Deitch/Getty Images)

“Charlie Kirk Legacy Award” – Erica Kirk

Kirk She became the first winner of the new award named after her late husband, which will be added to the award Patriot Awards After the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk in September 2025. Country music icon Jason Aldean and his wife Brittany provided the highlight and performed “Try It in a Small Town” and “How Far a Goodbye Goes.”

“I watched (Charlie) pour every ounce of himself into the students, to raise the bravest generation, and to inspire so many people to stand firm in faith and love for this country,” Erica said while accepting the award.

She encouraged Americans to think about their heritage and the positive impact they can have on the world for future generations.

“I know this award is about legacy,” she said. “It’s about my legacy, our children’s legacy, my husband’s legacy, but it’s also about your legacy. I really want you to take a minute tonight to think about this. What are you leaving behind for your children? What do you stand for, for your family? Are you going to be proud of that when you get to heaven and stand before the Lord? Just think about it, and pray about it.”

“I want to encourage you to know and understand something that Charlie knew and understood deeply,” she continued. “He knew that evil wins when good people remain silent, and so, for the rest of my life, I will make sure I will not remain silent. I will continue to speak the truth, whatever the cost…and I pray that you all do too, for Charlie’s sake.”

Erica Kirk accepts the Charlie Kirk Award to honor her husband, and vows to never ‘stay silent’

“Most Valuable National Award” – Alexa Anderson and Rhys Ekard

Alexa Anderson and Rhys Ekard accepted the “National Most Valuable Award” for their fight for protection and justice in women’s sports.

The duo filed a lawsuit against the Oregon School Athletic Association (OSAA) after they refused to stand on the podium with a transgender competitor during a state title meet.

“To all the girls currently fighting for justice, know that nothing will happen if you do nothing,” Rees-Ekard said. “We need to fight to protect the future of women’s sports and be strong and courageous, knowing that God will always be with us.”

Alexa Anderson expressed her gratitude to those who encouraged the couple to grow as athletes and supported them in standing up for their beliefs.

“T2T Steven Sailer Award” — John “JR” Gaudet

John “JR” Gaudet, the firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty, is remembered for his courage, kindness and generosity.

Judit’s widow, Vili, accepted the award on behalf of her late husband, recalling how much he loved everyone and served others.

“In this journey of grief, losing a loved one, my biggest fear is that people will forget him, forget his laugh, his stories, his sacrifices, but tonight, you all remind me that he has not forgotten, and that you all still remember him, not only as a hero to his community, but who he was to us, to his family,” she said. “To everyone at home and here: Thank you for keeping his memory alive, and thank you for being my village and my children’s village.”

People stand during the performance of the national anthem at Fox Nation’s Patriot Awards at the Tails Center in Greenville, New York, on December 5, 2024. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images))

Stephanie Diller, widow New York police officer Jonathan Diller is killedHe presented the award on Jonathan’s behalf last year. Jonathan was shot to death in Queens in March 2024, sparking outrage across the country after he was killed by a man with more than 20 prior arrests.

“Looking at Stephen, a man who also lost his father and is here supporting us, it gives me hope that my son will be OK,” she said. “Even though we have suffered this tragedy, we will not live a life of tragedy. We will live a life that supports us Heritage and spirit Who was Jonathan?

“Salute for Service Award” – Major James Capers, Jr.

Maj. James Capers Jr., who served the country bravely and heroically as a Marine, accepted the “Salute to Service Award.” Capers saved seven fellow Marines when his reconnaissance group was ambushed and outnumbered during the Vietnam War, according to Previous report.

“It’s an honor to be here,” Capers said. “We all lost a lot of good Marines during that bloody war, and I’m one of them; I’m one of three living Marines from my team. I’m here to honor them and their families and what they mean to this country. It’s very serious. The world is looking at us. Sometimes they question our motives, but they will never question our motives. We will fight any power in the world. We did it.”

Paola Bedini and Dr Sam Foote received last year’s award after the opening whistle Alleged Veterans’ Cause Failures To properly serve veterans. “To all Whistleblowers “There, it’s a good fight,” Bedini said during her acceptance speech. “It’s a tough fight, but it’s a good fight. We need the truth, we need accountability.”

The stage at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida was lit up in red, white and blue for the 2022 Patriot Awards. (Fox News Digital)

“Honor Award” – Aidan Alexander
Hamas kidnapped Aidan Alexander during the October 7, 2023 massacre and held him for more than 500 days. He is now fighting against the terrorists who once held him captive.

His parents, Yael and Adi Alexander, accepted the award on his behalf, and Idan expressed his gratitude via video message.

“Serving Israel and standing with America remains the greatest privilege of my life,” Alexander said. “First, I want to thank President Trump for your leadership and for standing with Israel in the hostages. Your support makes this moment possible, and I am so grateful. For my family, I wanted to thank you for never giving up. And to the soldiers still fighting and the families of the fallen, I carry your sacrifices with me every day. Thank you and may God bless you all.”

This award is named in honor of Fox News correspondent Benjamin Hall, who was seriously injured during the March 2022 attack in Ukraine. Later that November, he received the Courage Award at the Patriot Awards for his courageous reporting.

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“National Youth Award” – Devarjay “DJ” Daniel

“DJ” Daniel, a thirteen-year-old patriot who bravely battled cancer, accepted Fox Nation’s “Young Patriot Award.” President Donald Trump appointed the boy an honorary Secret Service agent months ago, after he expressed a deep desire to serve the country.

“On my 11th brain surgery, I woke up on a cloud that day,” Daniel said. “God told me that I was one of His angels and that I was doing God’s work. He said, ‘I will give you your wings, but I will take them back because you will not have them until you graduate from the school of life.’”

Daniel’s father shared that his son was first inspired to be a police officer after eating pizza with three officers while displaced during Hurricane Harvey.

“They helped us, so I want to start helping more people,” Daniel said during the Patriot Awards presentation.

The three officers surprised Daniel during his acceptance speech. Daniel continues to inspire millions with his courage.

Previous winners of this award that showcases patriotism in America include Olympic gold medalist Tamera Mensah Stock and former basketball player Enes Cantor Freedom.

Indiana resident Cameron Placek He received the award during last year’s parade for standing his ground after local school administrators tried to ban him from displaying American flags in early 2024.

“Faith Award” – Skylar Derrington

Skylar Derrington received Fox Nation’s first “Faith Award.” Derrington was at Camp Mystic when floodwaters tragically struck, claiming the lives of campers and staff.

She miraculously survived and performed her own “Hallelujah” song, remembering God’s faithfulness during the tragedy. She participated in that song at the Patriot Awards.

“Championship Award” – Larry Pickett Jr.

West Point Cadet Larry Pickett Jr. demonstrated a selfless act of heroism when he saw a man trapped in a crashed car. He sprang into action alongside his father and rescued the man, David Denton, before the car caught fire.

“At West Point, we learned what it truly means to live with courage and honor…and that night was just one moment to live what so many around me represent every day,” Pickett said. “So, I accept this, not only for myself, but for my entire family and everyone at West Point.”

Denton surprised Pickett at the Patriot Awards, saying God “sent an angel” to save his life.

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