Abbotts host 2023 Star of Texas Awards

Gov. Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott hosted the 2023 Star of Texas Awards in Austin. The Sept. 11 event, held on the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the East Coast that killed nearly 3,000 and injured thousands, honored peace officers, first responders and firefighters.

“Today, we mark another anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001—a day that no American will ever forget,” Abbott, a Republican, said, according to a press release issued by the Office of the Texas Governor. “We will also never forget the brave men and women who ran toward danger to help those in need. We are forever humbled by the valor of the emergency first responders that day. We are also grateful to the first responders who bravely serve Texans across our state.”

Abbott said first responders answer to a higher calling, according to the release.

“It means putting yourself between danger and the people you serve,” he said. “It requires exceptional courage, dedication and a commitment to protect those in need. Our first responders represent the very best of us. I thank all law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency first responders here today and across Texas.”

The Abbotts, who were joined by Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht and Texas Supreme Court Justices Jimmy Blacklock and Brett Busby, in addition to a slew of elected officials, first responders and their families, bestowed the award upon 21 honorees, the release said.

The governor’s office said that the Star of Texas Awards were created in 2003 under House Bill (HB) 1937.

Per the release, the legislation also proclaimed Sept. 11, of each year, as Texas First Responders Day.