Palm Beach Evening of Tribute

Thank you to all who joined us for the Palm Beach Evening of Tribute on March 24, 2026, at The Breakers Palm Beach.

Attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception on the Breakers’ Ocean Lawn, followed by a dinner reception in the ballroom that included a dynamic canine demonstration, a special testimonial, and an impactful keynote address by retired Navy SEAL Captain and NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy.

Jessica Lynch, U.S. Army Private First Class (PFC) and Prisoner of War (POW), offered a firsthand, moving testimony regarding her experience as a prisoner of war and the SEALs who came to her rescue.

With gratitude to the Navy SEAL Foundation for their continued partnership on this hallmark event. Special thanks to our Navy SEAL demo team for their ongoing support of the mission.

The Museum is deeply grateful to Robert “Mac” and Mary McCormack, our 2026 Event Chairs, whose leadership and direction make this event possible.

We extend gratitude to our event sponsors, whose generosity and support ensure the success of our mission. Many thanks to our Museum volunteer support team and all of the volunteers who graciously donated their time for the success of this event.

Special Keynote Speaker

Christopher J. Cassidy
Captain, U.S. Navy
NASA Astronaut

Captain Christopher J. Cassidy, USN (Ret.) is a decorated Navy SEAL, accomplished NASA astronaut, and national civic leader whose career spans elite military operations, pioneering space exploration, and institution-building of lasting significance.

Cassidy served 11 years in the SEAL Teams before his selection as a NASA astronaut in 2004. A combat-proven leader, he graduated as Honor Man of BUD/S Class 192 and earned two Bronze Stars—including one with Combat “V”—as well as a Presidential Unit Citation for commanding a high-pro􀇞le mission along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border in the aftermath of 9/11. His military decorations also include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, and Legion of Merit, recognizing exceptional leadership at the highest levels of joint and naval service.

Over three spaceflights, Cassidy spent 377 days in orbit and completed 10 spacewalks, flying aboard both the Space Shuttle Endeavour and the Russian Soyuz. He launched for his final six-month mission in 2020 at the onset of the global pandemic. From 2015 to 2017, he served as NASA’s 14th Chief Astronaut, overseeing astronaut training, crew assignments, and operations during a period of major organizational change. Cassidy is a 1993 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and earned a master’s degree in ocean engineering from MIT in 2000. He also holds honorary doctorates from Husson University (2015) and the University of Maine at Augusta (2021).

In 2021, Cassidy became President and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, where he led the successful effort to build the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, and launch a national leadership institute and monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. His leadership united bipartisan support and secured the funding to bring the vision to life.

Cassidy’s contributions have been recognized with some of the nation’s highest honors, including NASA’s Distinguished Service Medal (twice), the Great American Patriot Award, and the Living Legends of Aviation Award, and selection as a Distinguished Graduate Awardee of the U.S. Naval Academy.

Special Keynote Speaker

Christopher J. Cassidy
Captain, U.S. Navy
NASA Astronaut

Captain Christopher J. Cassidy, USN (Ret.) is a decorated Navy SEAL, accomplished NASA astronaut, and national civic leader whose career spans elite military operations, pioneering space exploration, and institution-building of lasting significance.

Cassidy served 11 years in the SEAL Teams before his selection as a NASA astronaut in 2004. A combat-proven leader, he graduated as Honor Man of BUD/S Class 192 and earned two Bronze Stars—including one with Combat “V”—as well as a Presidential Unit Citation for commanding a high-pro􀇞le mission along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border in the aftermath of 9/11. His military decorations also include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, and Legion of Merit, recognizing exceptional leadership at the highest levels of joint and naval service.

Over three spaceflights, Cassidy spent 377 days in orbit and completed 10 spacewalks, flying aboard both the Space Shuttle Endeavour and the Russian Soyuz. He launched for his final six-month mission in 2020 at the onset of the global pandemic. From 2015 to 2017, he served as NASA’s 14th Chief Astronaut, overseeing astronaut training, crew assignments, and operations during a period of major organizational change. Cassidy is a 1993 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and earned a master’s degree in ocean engineering from MIT in 2000. He also holds honorary doctorates from Husson University (2015) and the University of Maine at Augusta (2021).

In 2021, Cassidy became President and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, where he led the successful effort to build the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, and launch a national leadership institute and monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. His leadership united bipartisan support and secured the funding to bring the vision to life.

Cassidy’s contributions have been recognized with some of the nation’s highest honors, including NASA’s Distinguished Service Medal (twice), the Great American Patriot Award, and the Living Legends of Aviation Award, and selection as a Distinguished Graduate Awardee of the U.S. Naval Academy.