PROVO -- America's Freedom Festival held its annual Freedom Awards Gala Saturday night, recognizing four Americans for their patriotic contributions to society.

"The Freedom Festival Awards Gala is an event meant to honor those that have strived to pursue traditional American values," said Emory Cook, communications manager for the festival.

"Everyone honored here encapsulates those values," Cook said.

The Freedom Awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated unusual or extraordinary devotion to the cause of freedom and America's traditional values; risked personal safety or well-being to help ensure freedom for others; advanced the cause of family, freedom, God and country in their areas of influence or fulfilled in an exemplary way those responsibilities that allow the values of family, freedom, God and country to thrive and grow, according to the festival's website.

Vicki Garbutt, the awards gala chairwoman, said the awards show how an individual can take traditional American values and make a difference.

"It just helps people appreciate the freedoms they enjoy and the sacrifice that others made to secure those freedoms," she said. "This event is just another reminder of why America is great and why it's special."

Award recipients (information from freedomfestival.org):

Lauren S. Green -- During the past five years, FOX News Channel religion correspondent Lauren Green has reported on many interesting and sometimes controversial subjects. She has interviewed religious leaders from various faiths and sects. Green considers herself passionate about the role that strong families and family values play in the fabric of our nation and our society. She is a classically trained pianist. Green is a member of the Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City and continues to pursue her passion for music as a way to edify others and bring them closer to God.

Retired Lt. Col. James H. Harvey III -- Retired Lt. Col James H. Harvey III is considered by many to be among the most skilled aviators of World War II. After basic training he was transferred to the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama where he completed his pilot and advanced training in what was called an "experimental program" to form a squadron made up entirely of black soldiers. He and his fellow crew members demonstrated their superior skills and abilities in May 1949 when they won the first U.S. Air Force Top Gun Weapons Meet. "The true story of the Tuskegee Airmen is far broader than one of just aviation and the first American black military pilots and crewmen to serve during World War II," Harvey said. "It is actually an inspiring story of unwavering human spirit, courage and enduring determination."

Zane S. Taylor -- Thousands of stories could be told of the suffering and sacrifices exacted from American troops during World War II. For Zane Taylor, more than 60 years came and went before he recorded his personal story describing "the everyday life of a soldier in Gen. George S. Patton's 3rd Army." In his book "Lesser Heroes," Taylor wrote about the bonds that were forged with fellow soldiers and describes the feelings and emotions of a young soldier thrust into war. "My apprehensions, fear and desire to live in the face of hell, fire and brimstone, helped me to survive through the times that I thought meant certain death."

See more here:

Freedom Festival honors 4 with Freedom Awards