Calling all hometown heroes!
Today begins the eighth annual New York Post Liberty Medal search. We’re asking you to introduce us to the city’s everyday guardian angels so we can salute them.
Again this year, The Post, in partnership with Fox 5, is honoring the city’s humble heroes — those who have pitched in to help others through their kindness, bravery or innovative spirit. With your help, we aim to celebrate those whose everyday accomplishments and extraordinary acts have enriched the city.
Click here and you can nominate people in eight categories: Leadership, Courage, Lifetime Achievement, Young Heart, Freedom — “for an immigrant New Yorker who best embodies the values of honesty, industriousness and hard-earned success, or a native New Yorker who reflects the finest qualities of New York to the world” — and one each for the city’s teachers, cops and firefighters.
Explain in 100 words or less why your nominee deserves to take a public bow and please feel free to nominate as many heroes as you like. You may name only living nominees.
Winners will be selected by a distinguished panel of New Yorkers, and will be honored at a reception on Oct. 28 hosted by television icon Regis Philbin.
“I hope you’ll consider nominating someone for this year’s Liberty Medals. I emcee the awards every year because I love this city and the people who live here, and especially those who make New York a better place,” Philbin said.
“If you know anyone who does this, please enter them. I’d like to give them one of these Liberty Medals!”
Each honoree receives a symbol of our gratitude for their contribution to New York City — a medal engraved with Lady Liberty’s torch, created for The Post by renowned New York graphic artist Milton Glaser, who devised the iconic “I ♥ NY” logo.
Meet Last Year’s Winners
One volunteered when a public school lost its librarian. One boasted awareness of his father’s disease by organizing a team to raise money. One intervened in a subway attack.
The 2008 winners of the New York Post Liberty Medals — the picture of generosity, selflessness and community kindness — were hailed last fall as everyday heroes who make a difference at a joyous and emotional awards ceremony.
“It was really nice how people who did great things in New York City got acknowledged,” said Frankie Gaetani, 11, a Long Islander who snagged the Young Heart medal for putting together a 40-member team for the Long Island National Kidney Foundation Walk.
Jane Katz, a John Jay College of Criminal Justice professor, was honored for her innovative community outreach, including teaching swimming and “life lessons” to kids in city juvenile detention.
“I’m usually not tongue-tied, but I couldn’t speak,” Katz said of recieving her award.
Regis Philbin, who has emceed the ceremony for six of its seven years, was presented with a special Liberty Medal last year for his “dedication to our heroes and to our great city.”
2009 LIBERTY MEDAL CATEGORIES
Leadership Medal
For a compassionate, disciplined person whose activities during the past year most improved the quality of life in a borough or neighborhood.
Freedom Medal
For an immigrant New Yorker who best embodies the values of honesty, industriousness and hard-earned success or a native New Yorker who reflects the finest qualities of New York to the world.
Courage Medal
For a notable act of bravery by a civilian that contributed to saving human life.
New York’s Bravest Medal
For the firefighter or EMS technician whose performance in the line of duty best exemplifies the department’s unflinching heroism; to be selected in consultation with the FDNY.
New York’s Finest Medal
For the police officer whose on-the-job performance reflects
the department’s honor and selflessness; to be selected in consultation with the NYPD and the Port Authority Police Department.
Educator Medal
For an administrator or teacher who excels at preparing the next generation of New Yorkers for their future challenges.
Young Heart Medal
For the youth under 17 who most impressively displayed adult resolve — not for a physical feat, but for behavior that displays moral character or mature judgment during the past year.
Lifetime Achievement Medal
For the individual whose accomplishments reflect the very best of our city.