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Gratitude for 9/11 heroes: Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards honors three-generation family of first responders

The annual awards dinner honors a person or group that exemplifies the mission of The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project, which aims to care for, support and encourage those who have served the U.S.

In addition, a three-generation family of first responders – the Vigiano family of Long Island, New York – will be recognized, including some who perished while responding on 9/11.

The Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards honors America's soldiers, veterans and first responders, along with those who support and care for them. (The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project)

David Corlew, Daniels’ longtime manager and president of the Journey Home Project, called patriarch John Vigiano "one heroic son of a gun" in an interview with Fox News Digital.

John Vigiano served as an FDNY firefighter and had two sons – John Jr. and Joseph Vigiano. One was a firefighter and the other a police officer.

"It’s an amazing story of how patriotism is generational."

Both sons responded to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and did not survive.

Before 9/11, Detective Joseph Vigiano had three sons — Joseph, James and John — who all went on to serve either with the NYPD or the military.

"[Joe Vigiano] was a natural-born hero," Corlew said. "He was destined by God, or the power that he believed in, to be a hero, and was one of the first into the towers."

(left to right) Kathleen Vigiano, Joseph Vigiano Jr. and James Vigiano of Long Island, New York. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)

He added, "It’s an amazing story of how patriotism is generational."

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Joe Vigiano’s wife, Kathleen Vigiano, a retired police officer and volunteer EMT, and two of her sons, Joseph Jr. and James, reacted to their family being honored by the Charlie Daniels team.

"It is nice to know that people don't forget, and that they remember that sacrifice on 9/11."

"I work for a lot of good individuals and a lot of great guys who are just as deserving as anyone else to be rewarded for their effort."

"But it is nice to know that people don't forget, and that they remember that sacrifice on 9/11, and the sacrifice that my father, uncle and grandfather made, going out every day searching for the victims ... It really is a humbling experience."

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump, Republican U.S. vice presidential nominee Senator JD Vance, U.S. President Joe Biden, and Democratic presidential nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris attend a ceremony marking the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum on Sept. 11, 2024. (REUTERS/Mike Segar )

At the time of the attacks, Joseph Jr.’s father was assigned to Harlem’s Emergency Service Squad Two, and his uncle was assigned to Brooklyn’s Ladder 132.

"They both responded to the World Trade Center and tragically lost their lives when the tower collapsed," said Joseph Vigiano Jr.

His grandfather, FDNY captain John Vigiano, retired after many years of service. 

After losing both of his sons on 9/11, John Vigiano "devoted his life" to thanking America’s military and first responders, his grandson shared.

John Vigiano Sr., pictured, was a captain in the FDNY. (The Vigiano family)

Joseph Vigiano Jr. said that following in his family’s footsteps "wasn’t the original plan."

"Growing up, we all had different career paths in mind," he said. "I wanted to be a paleontologist." 

(left to right) Brothers James, John and Joseph Vigiano are all currently in service. (The Vigiano family)

Joseph Vigiano Jr. wants to let other first responders know that their sacrifice "doesn’t go unnoticed."

"I'm very proud of my boys," she said. "And I appreciate them being recognized [by the Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project] for their service."

Charlie Daniels (left) and his longtime assistant David Corlew (right) began The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project 10 years ago. (The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project)

While the Patriot Awards have typically taken place in October, Corlew said that having the ceremony on 9/11 this year would be symbolic in honoring all those who served.

"We could honor hundreds, if not thousands, of people who did something [on 9/11] that was above and beyond human nature to save, restore and care for us," he told Fox News Digital.