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Est. 2003 · Independent National Archive

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THE BEST of AMERICA

250 Years of Service & Strength · 1776–2026

A permanent national archive preserving the lives, service, and sacrifice that have shaped the American story — from the Founding generation to today. Recorded in perpetuity. A legacy that endures.

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Nominations and Individual Recognitions Are Always Free

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Records Preserved in Perpetuity · Not Affiliated with Any Government Entity

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The Archive

Honoring Every Form of American Excellence

The Best of America was built on a simple conviction: the people who hold this country together — through service, sacrifice, and quiet dedication — deserve to be remembered by name.

From decorated veterans to unsung community pillars, every honoree enters a growing national record. Not a list. Not a news cycle. A lasting testament to what Americans, at their best, are capable of.

Learn About the Archive

Veterans

Those who served in uniform, defending freedom and the American way of life.

First Responders

Police, fire, EMS — the men and women who run toward danger.

Community Leaders

Citizens whose service strengthened their communities and inspired others.

Historic Places

Sites of cultural and historic significance that define the American landscape.

★ Founding 250 ★
1776
2026

A Record Built to Last Forever

As America marks 250 years, The Best of America is inducting its first class of honorees — the Founding 250. These are the veterans, leaders, and institutions whose stories are too important to leave to chance. Once entered, a record is never altered, never removed.

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Honorees

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Master Sergeant Roy P. Benavidez, Medal of Honor recipient — U.S. Army photograph, public domain
★ Founding 250  ·  Featured Honoree  ·  Vietnam War
Green Beret  ·  Medal of Honor  ·  5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)

MSG Roy P. Benavidez

Master Sergeant  ·  United States Army Special Forces  ·  1952–1976

“If the story of his heroism were a movie script, you would not believe it.” — President Ronald Reagan, 1981

Read His Full Story  →
★ Founding 250
Wounds Sustained
37 — May 2, 1968
Lives Saved
8 Comrades · 6-Hour Battle
Distinction
Medal of Honor · 1981
★ Antelope Valley Legend
Veteran · Vietnam War · USMC · Hollywood Icon
GySgt R. Lee Ermey

The only Marine ever honorarily promoted to Gunnery Sergeant. Co-founder of Bravery Brewing Co., Lancaster, CA — opened July 4, 2012. His uniform from Full Metal Jacket hangs in the valley he called home. 1944–2018.

★ Sponsored by Bravery Brewing Co.
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★ Memorial Day 2026
Veteran · Test Pilot · Line of Duty
Capt. Glen W. Edwards

U.S. Army Air Forces test pilot killed June 5, 1948, flying the Northrop YB-49 Flying Wing over the Mojave Desert. Edwards Air Force Base bears his name. The B-2 Spirit — built in Lancaster — is his legacy.

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Founding Father · Veteran · 1741–1775
Dr. Joseph Warren

Physician, patriot, and author of the Suffolk Resolves. Dispatched Paul Revere on his midnight ride. Died at Breed's Hill on June 17, 1775 — America's first martyr of the Revolution.

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Veteran · World War II
Major Annie G. Fox

U.S. Army Nurse Corps, 1918–1945. First woman in American history to receive the Purple Heart, awarded for her leadership under fire at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Read Her Full Story →
Veteran · Civil War · Medal of Honor
Sgt. William Harvey Carney

Company C, 54th Massachusetts Infantry (Colored). Shot in both legs, his chest, and his arm — he held the regimental colors above his head the entire way. “The old flag never touched the ground, boys.” Medal of Honor, 1900. First Black soldier to carry the colors in battle under the Union flag.

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Veteran · World War I · Medal of Honor
Capt. Nelson Miles Holderman

California National Guard captain who commanded Company K of the Lost Battalion, wounded three times in four days in the Argonne Forest — and carried two men to safety under direct fire. Medal of Honor, 1921. Spent 30 years as commandant of the California Veterans’ Home.

Read His Full Story →
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Nominations are always free. Help us ensure no hero goes unrecognized.

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Know an American Hero?

Veterans. First responders. Community pillars. Essential workers. If you know someone whose service and sacrifice has made America stronger, their story belongs in the archive. Nominations are always free.

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★ Always Free · No Application Fee · No Catch ★
For Businesses

Founding Local Patriot Business Recognition

A limited number of American businesses are recognized as Founding Local Patriot Businesses — permanently recorded within The Best of America National Archive alongside the heroes they help honor.

Recognition is available to one business per industry per city. Archive support from FLPB's is what makes free honoree nominations possible.

Apply as a Founding FLPB
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Weekly Recognitions

Receive weekly recognitions honoring the people and places that make America strong.