- "To those that still for some reason question the meaning and importance of the flag, I invite you to sit down with families like mine from Goldsboro, North Carolina, family like Alex's, and to listen to truly what the red white and blue truly means to us," said UNC student Guillermo Estrada.
For their powerful display of valor and patriotism, two University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill students, Guillermo Estrada and Alex Jones, of Phi Kappa Phi fraternity were awarded the FOX Nation Award for Courage during the 6th Annual Patriot Awards on Thursday evening. The event, held at the Tilles Center for Performing Arts in Brookville, New York, celebrated individuals who embody American values of service, courage, and unity.
A Viral Moment of Patriotism
Estrada and Jones captured national attention earlier this year when they, alongside fellow students, defended the American flag during a pro-Palestinian protest on UNC’s campus in Chapel Hill. The demonstrators attempted to replace the flag with a Palestinian banner, but the students intervened, standing their ground for nearly an hour under verbal and physical attacks to ensure the flag didn’t touch the ground.
The flag, notably flying at half-staff to honor four Charlotte law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in April, became a poignant symbol of resilience and respect for national values.
Jones, a senior from Raleigh, credits his patriotic upbringing for his dedication to defending the flag. After graduating this May, he plans to pursue a career in finance in New York City. He called the nationwide response to their actions that day “inspiring and humbling.”
“My grandfather comes from eastern North Carolina. He’s a small farm town boy and being up here in, you know, this stage is something that he never would have dreamed in his entire life for his grandson,” said Jones on stage Thursday. “To me, that’s really what not only this flag but this entire nation represents and for me that’s why you know, I acted on that day.”
Honoring Young Patriots
Estrada, a sophomore from Pikeville, North Carolina, is the son of immigrants and grew up in a military community near Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. He is pursuing a degree in Advertising and Public Relations and aspires to advocate for first responders and military personnel in his future career.
“We didn’t hesitate when we saw our flag being torn back down because this flag represents the beacon of hope that called my parents to this great country 20 years ago,” Estrada told the crowd. “The promise of liberty and prosperity that makes America a light to the world, that is what that flag represents and to those — to those that still for some reason question the meaning and importance of the flag, I invite you to sit down with families like mine from Goldsboro, North Carolina, family like Alex’s, and to listen to truly what the red white and blue truly means to us.”
The pair accepted the award on behalf of all the UNC students involved in the incident. In their acceptance speech, they ended their comments with an enthusiastic, “Go Heels!”
A GoFundMe raised more than $500,000 to recognize their courage that day, and on Labor Day artists were inspired to hold an outdoor concert for them named “Flagstock.” It featured a line-up like Five for Fighting, Aaron Lewis, Big & Rich, Lee Greenwood, and actor and Chapel Hill alumnus Nick Searcy.
President-elect Donald Trump was awarded the Patriot of the Year award on Thursday as well.
A Celebration of Heroes
The Patriot Awards, hosted by FOX News’ Sean Hannity, brought together inspirational individuals from across the nation. The event recognized categories such as the T2T Stephen Siller Back the Blue Award and FOX Nation Award for Bravery, honoring those who exemplify selflessness and dedication to their communities.
Producers said that Estrada and Jones’ story stood out as a testament to the enduring spirit of young Americans who take pride in their country and its symbols, even in challenging circumstances.
The ceremony was streamed live on FOX Nation, with an encore airing on FOX News Channel on Sunday, December 8, at 10 PM ET.