The late Virginia Giuffre (Roberts) led the way, unflinching as she faced death threats and the powerful tried to dismiss the facts; she never stopped fighting not only for herself but gave all women a voice who were too afraid to speak up. She believed in truth and inspired others to come forward. Annie Farmer and Maria Farmer (who is battling cancer) were two of the first to report the crimes to law enforcement. Also, Marina Lacerda, Anouska De Georgiou, Lisa Phillips, Liz Stein, Chauntae Davies, Haley Robson, Teresa Helm, Jena-Lisa Jones, Jess Michaels who, along with Annie Farmer, spoke up on Sept. 3, 2025 at a press conference in our nation’s Capitol. Alicia Arden and Juliette Bryant have also raised their voices. All these women were not only the victims of multi-billionaire Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell’s sex trafficking and pedophilia ring, but they came forward despite their fear. Despite threats. They not only survived multiple rapes as children and young women, but also ongoing sexual violence and psychological abuse by Epstein, Maxwell and other people in power who were in these monster predators’ social and business circles.

These women are relentlessly demanding accountability and they promise to continue to do so. Despite the power of conspiracy and cover-up at the highest levels that they have endured and are still enduring, they continue to fight on. We thank them for their courage and fortitude. Thank you, also to their pro-bono lawyers like Brad Edwards who have sheltered and assisted them through the storms. In Virginia Giuffre (Roberts) own words before she took her own life: “I look forward to the days when money and power does not stop the truth from coming out and the righteous prevail.” May truth through transparency prevail for the sake of victims of crime, for the sake of this country and for the sake of our own humanity. (Photos: Miami Herald/Tribune News Service/Getty Images and Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) #StandWithSurvivors #NationalHeroesDay #WhosYourHero

Chase Childers and another unknown hero jumped into the water off of Pawley’s Island in South Carolina when they saw swimmers being pulled away in a riptide. According to the Pawley’s Island Police, “Chase Childers, and another person entered the water to help 4-5 individuals who were in distress. Sadly, Mr. Childers was caught in the rip current, as well. He died trying to save others.” He was the only swimmer who did not make it back to shore. This tragic passing happened in front of his wife and kids. A GoFundMe has been started to help the family here. Chase was a former police officer and former Baltimore Orioles’ player who will always be remembered for his bravery and putting the safety of others first. Incredible hero. #NationalHeroesDay #WhosYourHero

Two of these every day heroes died trying to save others and two lived to tell their stories when the Guadalupe River in Texas surged over 20 feet in 45 minutes on 4th of July. Camp Mystic counselor Ainslie Bashara, 19, led 16 children to safety out of the flooding cabin and up a hill under harrowing conditions, Camp owner Dick Eastland, 70, tried to save as many campers as he could before he was swept away, Julian Ryan, 27, was able to save his family but died of a wound, and Matthew Crowder on his way to work, saw water rising and woke and then saved the family of Chrissy Eliashar. We honor all of these incredible souls, and so many more who undoubtedly struggled to save others and perished. We will always remember. #NationalHeroesDay #WhoseYourHero

Anthony “AJ” Slater came upon a car crash where the sedan had burst into flames when it hit a tree. He ran to the car and began trying to save people. Besides the 30-year old driver, there were two crying kids. One was a 3 year-old boy and the other was a 5 year-old girl. He jumped into action and worked around the flames to try to free the children even as the fire lashed out at his own body. He was able to get the boy out. He turned around and began screaming for help to no avail and then went back to trying to get the little girl out, but the fire overwhelmed them. AJ ended up with third-degree burns on his arms and ear. “As parents we are as proud of him as we possibly could be,” said his Mom Terasa LaBarbera. “There are not too many people who would do what he did and AJ did it with zero hesitation.” AJ is facing multiple surgeries at Tampa General Hospital and his family has set up a GoFundMe to help with expenses. Thank you, Anthony, for giving that little boy the gift of life and working so hard to save his sister. She is now a beautiful Guardian Angel to so many. We appreciate you. — Nominated by AJ’s Aunt Kelli Rayne Wisham #WhosYourHero #NationalHeroesDay