Freedoms Foundation National Awards Deadline Approaching

Submissions for the national awards of the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge are due June, 1, 2009. To learn how to submit individuals or groups in your area and to learn about the awards' criteria, visit the National Awards page on the Freedoms Foundation Web site.

Every year, the Freedoms Foundation gives out awards to citizens and organizations around the country who exemplify the American spirit. The awards recognize contributions in six categories, ranging from community action to youth achievements.

In 2008, the AMVETS Americanism program at Gloucester Township Elementary School in Camden County, N.J., earned the Meritorious George Washington Honor Medal from the Freedoms Foundation in recognition of their sustained commitment to teaching the tenets of patriotism and community service.

AMVETS leaders, including National Commander John C. Hapner and New Jersey National Executive Committee Representative Barbara Horowitz were on hand to recognize the achievements of Gloucester Elementary. Hapner presented the principal of the school with a special proclamation on behalf of AMVETS, recognizing the school's sustained committment to Americanism.

To recognize the contributions of those in your community, send your submissions to the Freedoms Foundation before the June 1st deadline, which is approaching fast.

(Photos, Top: Students from Gloucester Township Elementary School's Americanism program take part in a special ceremony where Freedoms Foundation honored the school with its prestigious Meritorious George Washington Honor Medal. Bottom: AMVETS National Commander John C. Hapner presents Gloucester Elementary School principal Joseph Gentile with a proclamation from AMVETS, recognizing the school's Americanism program. Photos courtesy of Barbara Horowitz, AMVETS Department of New Jersey.)