First lady Melania Trump receives ‘Patriot of the Year’ honor at Fox Nation’s Patriot Awards

First lady Melania Trump accepted the “Patriot of the Year” award at a star-studded annual event organized by Fox Nation Thursday night with a speech that celebrated America’s innovative spirit, which she described as a “reform of patriotism.”

Trump, 55, accepted the award, designed to resemble the American flag, at the Tilles Center Concert Hall in Brookville, Long Island, during the network’s 7th annual Patriot Awards, hosted by Sean Hannity.

The first lady began her remarks by thanking the “American patriots” in the audience and watching at home.

“Without you, I wouldn’t be standing here today.”

“Let’s embrace the spirit of ambition. Let’s celebrate everyone who dares to think differently,” FLOTUS continued, calling those who do, the “heartbeat of our civilization.”

“Trust me, I know a little bit about challenging convention,” the mom of one quipped.

The first lady went on to pay tribute to America’s “rebellious founders who raged against British rule.

“They all defied expectations politically and intellectually,” Trump explained.

“Each shared a common trait. They reinvented how things work.”

“Personal achievement fuels collective progress. Daring to chase your dream is the American way. Innovation isn’t accidental here. It’s in our DNA,” she said, arguing that in America, “innovation is a form of patriotism.”