The Joe Foss Institute hosted two spectacular events, on back-to-back days in November, to honor six outstanding Americans, to raise awareness about our work, and to raise funds that will accelerate our ability to make a difference in students' lives around the country.
The first---the 2011 Stars & Stripes Classic, presented by Freeport McMoran Copper & Gold, Inc.---was held on Sunday night, November 20th in Scottsdale AZ. One of the highlights of the evening was when Event Chairman Foster Friess presented Gary Sinise with the 2011 Joe Foss Institute Patriotism Award. We trust you'll be inspired by Gary's acceptance speech, below, in which he discusses patriotism, his love for America, the impact that 9/11 had in his life, and the importance of defending our freedom:
Adobe Flash Player not installed or older than 9.0.115!
Note: if you are viewing this site on an iPhone or iPad, you can watch the video here.
During the event, hosted by Emmy-Award winner Roy Firestone, five other Americans were honored for their outstanding service to America: NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Wayne LaPierre received the JFI Lifetime Achievement Award; Medal of Honor recipients Sammy Davis and Michael Thornton were honored for their service to this country; and Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and StudentsFirst Founder Michelle Rhee were honored for their outstanding contributions to America in the area of education. Honorary Chairman T. Boone Pickens announced an extraordinary gift to the Institute, and many others gave generously as well. Also during the event, those in attendance were enchanted by music from internationally-acclaimed recording artists The Tenors.
Check back to learn more about this event, and about our first ever golf outing at the world-famous TPC Scottsdale course that was held the next day, on November 21, 2011.
