The George Washington Foundation owns and oversees Historic Kenmore and George Washington’s Ferry Farm, where young Washington spent his formative years and became an extraordinary man. It is the Foundation’s mission to enhance the public understanding and appreciation of the lives, values, and legacies of George Washington, Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis, and the people who lived and worked on the properties with them. Joining us will be William Garner, President and CEO of the George Washington Foundation, and David Muraca, Director of Archaeology for the George Washington Foundation.

The American Eagle Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to inspiring the global community to guard and protect the Bald Eagle and all birds of prey.  This mission is carried out in a variety of ways through their three main pillars: Conservation, Education, and Protection. A team of full-time employees, part-time employees, and volunteers put the three pillars into action. For decades, the Foundation has worked tirelessly to conserve habitats, protect sick and injured birds, and educate millions of Americans about our national living treasure.

Derric Johnson is best known for shaping the iconic sound of EPCOT’s Voices of Liberty. Serving as a Creative Consultant for Walt Disney World for over thirty years, he arranged and produced the premier a cappella group for EPCOT’s American Adventure Pavilion in Walt Disney World as well as Disney's popular Christmas Candlelight Processional. Beyond his work with Disney, Johnson is a highly prolific musician who has written 150 original songs and crafted 2,800 musical arrangements. Through his decades of dedicated work in choral collections and vocal production, he has made a lasting contribution to the landscape of American choral music.

The Liberty Voices is a world famous, eight-part a cappella group that sings Americana, Folk and Patriotic Songs. They have performed for five United States Presidents and have toured the country, been featured on national television and various parades. They perform at national as well as international conventions. The Liberty Voices have been called "America's PREMIER a cappella stylists... and the United States vocal ambassadors to the world!"

The American Revolution, from the filmmaking team of Ken Burns, Sarah Bottstein, and David Schmidt examines how America’s founding turned the world upside-down. Thirteen British colonies on the Atlantic Coast rose in rebellion, won their independence, and established a new form of government that radically reshaped the continent and inspired centuries of democratic movements around the globe. An expansive look at the virtues and contradictions of the war and the birth of the United States of America, the film follows dozens of figures from a wide variety of backgrounds. Through their individual stories, viewers experience the war through the memories of the men and women who experienced it.

(Due to prior commitments related to the documentary, the filmmakers will not be able to join us on Opening Night and will be giving video acceptance remarks.)

Ken Burns is one of our nation’s most acclaimed documentary filmmakers, whose work has covered popular topics in American History. Mr. Burns has been making documentary films for fifty years and with his production company Florentine Films, he has directed and produced some of the most celebrated historical documentaries ever made. His most recent documentary, a 6 part, 12 hour epic The American Revolution premiered on PBS in fall 2025 just in time for the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

(Due to prior commitments related to the documentary, Mr. Burns will not be able to join us on opening night and will be giving video acceptance remarks.)

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, Karl McCarty has been teaching Social Studies at Oakfield High School in Wisconsin since 2007. By taking his students to “where history happens,” Mr. McCarty is dedicated to teaching history both in and outside the classroom. He has won numerous awards for his work and written publications on topics ranging from local history to presidential candidates. In 2001, Mr. McCarty was a recipient of a DAR Good Citizen Award.

Education Awards Night will celebrate outstanding students and educators from across the nation. Honorees include the American History Essay Contest winners: Dabi Chang (5th grade), Nezar Al Chekakie (6th grade), Bella Cordova (7th grade), and Sofie Briarchuck (8th grade).

Cason Noll will be recognized as the Patriots of the American Revolution Essay Contest winner and Douglas Alan LaRock III will be honored as the recipient of the DAR Good Citizen Award.

Additionally, the State and National Outstanding Junior Members will be recognized. Entertainment will be provided by the DAR All-American Chorus.

The 9/11 Memorial Museum invites visitors to learn about the history of the 9/11 attacks at the site where the Twin Towers once stood. The Museum’s dynamic blend of architecture, archaeology, and history creates an unforgettable encounter with the story of the attacks, their aftermath, and the people who experienced these events. The Museum sits on the grounds of the 9/11 Memorial, which honors the 2,977 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center site, near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon, as well as the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing on February 26, 1993. The Museum will be represented by President and CEO, Elizabeth Hillman.

The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner – World Trade Center DNA Identification Team began gathering evidence and remains from Ground Zero immediately following the attacks on September 11, 2001. The team has been working to identify remains of victims since then in the largest forensic investigation in United States history, and in 2025 identified 3 new victims with advances in DNA technology. The NYC Office of the Medical Examiner World Trade Center DNA Identification team will be represented by Assistant Director Mark Desire.

Founded in 2001 by Mary Fetchet and Beverly Eckert, who both lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks, Voices Center for Resilience (VOICES) is a non-profit organization that assists communities in preparing for and recovering from traumatic events and provides long-term support and resources that promote mental health care and wellness for those impacted. Formerly known as Voices of September 11th, VOICES builds upon its unique legacy of providing long-term support for the 9/11 community, while sharing nearly two decades of expertise to assist those impacted by other tragedies in the United States and abroad through a wide range of programs. Voices Center for Resilience will be represented by Founder Mary Fetchet

9/11 Day was created shortly after the September 11th terrorist attacks by David Paine and Jay Winuk. David and Jay wanted something good to come from the loss of so many lives in the 9/11 tragedy, including Jay’s younger brother, Glenn, an attorney and volunteer firefighter who was killed while responding at the World Trade Center. Their goal: to take back the day by turning the anniversary of 9/11 into a day of doing good. 9/11 Day has transformed September 11 into the largest day of service in America, officially recognized under federal law. More than 30 million Americans participate, dedicating time each 9/11 to helping others in need, and rekindling the spirit of unity that brought Americans together in the days following the 9/11 tragedy. 9/11 Day will be represented by Founders David Paine and Jay Winuk.

COL Marilyn WIlls served in the Army for over 30 years, joining in 1983 and officially retiring in 2014 . She served in many roles throughout her military service, including stations in Germany, Afghanistan, Honduras, and other areas across the United States. On September 11, 2001 she was serving as a Congressional Affairs officer under the Deputy Chief of Staff, Army Personnel in the Pentagon. Upon the impact of the attack, Wills and her colleagues helped as many people as they could to safety, before being ordered to evacuate. For her service and injuries sustained on 9/11, Wills earned a Purple Heart from the Army. Even after this horrific day, COL Wills served our country for over a decade more. COL Wills currently resides in Florida with her husband, with whom she has two daughters.

Donna Herndon of Murray, Kentucky has dedicated her life to serving her community in a variety of ways. Herndon has served as a member, founding member, or board chair of at least seven nonprofit organizations, consistently stepping forward to address emerging community needs. As an Army wife, Herndon dedicated her time and energy while supporting her husband and the surrounding communities both military and civilian at Ft. Knox, Ft. Rucker, and Berlin Germany. Through decades of tireless service, she has strengthened her community, uplifted families, and inspired others to lead with purpose. Murray State University Nonprofit Resource Center created the Donna Herndon Award for Civic Engagement in honor of her impact, and she has received numerous other awards for her dedication. Herndon was nominated for this award by the Captain Wendell Oury Chapter of Murray, KY.

COL Nicole Malachowski, USAF (ret.) earned her commission from the United States Air Force Academy in 1996. Colonel Malachowski served as a mission ready fighter pilot in three operational F-15E fighter squadrons and has flown over 188 combat hours in both OPERATION DELIBERATE FORGE and OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. Her career ended prematurely when she was medically retired from service due to the impact of late stage, neurological, Tick Borne Illness. Even as a veteran, she continues to work closely with the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program and advocates for veterans and others suffering from Tick Bourne Illness

COl Malachowski has been recognized with several honors for her consistent contributions to community service, including induction into the “Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame.” She is a frequent motivational speaker at local, state, and national events.

(Due to prior commitments, COL Malachowski will not be able to join us on National Defense Night and will be share video acceptance remarks.)

COL Jodelle Schroeder began her distinguished career in the Army Nurse Corps in 1998 and officially retired in May 2026 after 28 years serving her country. COL Schroeder served in a variety of national and international locations throughout her time in the Corps including Washington State, Maryland, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Germany, Kuwait, Iraq. She held many leadership positions in the Corps, and most recently served as Deputy Corps Chief for the Army Nurse Corps. COL Schroeder has been the recipient of many accolades  including the Bronze Star for her service during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Surgeon General’s “9A” Proficiency Designator for her contributions to the field, and induction into the esteemed Order of Military Medical Merit.

Dr. Wanona "Winnie" Fritz began her career as a U.S. Army nurse, quickly rising to hold critical leadership positions across the United States, Thailand, and Vietnam. Throughout her career which spanned several decades and countries, Dr. Fritz established herself as a visionary global health executive, serving as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Clinical Officer, and Chief Nursing Officer for diverse healthcare systems spanning 22 countries. Dedicated to shaping the next generation of healthcare leaders, she has served as an Assistant Professor at Georgetown University, the University of Maryland, the University of Missouri, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, instructing in healthcare delivery, strategy, and curriculum design.

Lt. Col. Edythe McGoff-Donavan, USAF (ret.) used her mental health, nursing, and military background to develop an end-of-life ceremony to honor veterans and offer comfort in their final days. She recruited and trained additional veterans to help her conduct these ceremonies and formed a partnership to reach the veterans who needed it most. She is an Honor Flight volunteer, and volunteers with the American Red Cross advisory team that assists in their outreach to veterans. When not volunteering, LTC McGoff-Donavan is a popular speaker on veterans’ issues and educates the public on the experiences of women veterans deployed in combat zones and in theater support roles during major conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Karen Pitkin’s service to veterans began in childhood, when she eagerly joined her mother in polishing apples and delivering them to patients at the local VA hospital. What began as a simple act of kindness blossomed into a lifetime vocation of compassion, advocacy, and service. Karen has often said that those early visits taught her both gratitude for veterans’ sacrifices and a deep personal responsibility to ensure they are never forgotten. As an adult, Karen has continued to embody that promise. She has been a powerful advocate for proper and equitable treatment of women veterans, raising awareness, elevating their experiences, and championing respect and recognition for their service.

Hailing from Mullingar, Ireland, and classically trained at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Emmet Cahill has won acclaim as one of today’s most exciting Irish tenors. He first rose to international prominence as the powerhouse lead vocalist of the PBS Celtic Thunder, helping the group achieve over 4 million album sales with six albums reaching #1 on the World Billboard charts, 12 celebrated PBS television specials, and tours for millions of fans across the United States, Canada, and Australia.

As a solo artist, Emmet has performed in more than 100 cities across North America, with highlights including appearances at New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Pentagon, Atlanta Symphony Hall, and Temple Square with the legendary Tabernacle Choir. In March 2025, he made his sold-out solo debut at Carnegie Hall, a milestone that confirmed his place among the leading voices in Irish music today. His debut Irish album on Sony Music USA debuted at #1 on the Billboard World Music Charts and received widespread praise for its authentic artistry.