Patriot Awards!

by Brendan Kownacki
Photo credit: Brendan Kownacki

“These are the folks who put their lives on the line so we can have democracy in our country and really all over the world,” said Kerry Washington, speaking with Hollywood on the Potomac at the Military Women’s Memorial, at the gates of Arlington National Ceremony.

Each year, the memorial hosts the Patriot Leadership Award Gala and this year the foundation honored Washington, known for roles like Olivia Pope in “Scandal” and veteran actor Sean Astin, notable from “The Goonies” and “Lord of the Rings.”

The Awards recognize advocates who have supported the cause of our nation’s military women, in both cases, these Hollywood powerhouses fit the bill.

Sean Astin and Kerry Washington

Astin has been an actor since he was a child and comes from Hollywood roots (his mother is Patty Duke, and his father John Astin) — but his connection to the military also stretches back. Astin shared with Hollywood on the Potomac that his mother met his stepfather on a military base in Georgia while researching a role. He would later go on to become a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) from 1995-2005 and was appointed CASA Emeritus in 2022, a lifelong appointment. He was also appointed to the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, whose mission is to promote a culture of volunteerism and civic engagement.

Astin, who has three daughters, spoke about the importance of honoring strong women and their contributions to society, especially the military.

Kerry Washington has received many honors in Hollywood, but shared that she was thrilled to be at the Women’s memorial to toast how women have contributed to the arms forces. Her new Netflix film, titled “Six Triple Eight” tells the story of an All-Black, All-Female Army Corps during WWII. Washington plays Major Charity Adams in the Tyler Perry film, which is due out this Christmas.

Both Washington and Astin took a moment to also talk about the importance of the upcoming Presidential election and give a nod to Vice President Kamala Harris, who would be the first female Commander in Chief. On an evening about women in leadership, and just over the bridge from DC, it was hard to ignore the ticking clock to election day.

See what both actors had to say about the award and Election 2024: