The Liberty Gala honors the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, past and present. Proceeds from the Liberty Gala support the public programs, exhibits, and collection of the Pritzker Military Library. This black-tie event also includes the presentation of three special awards:

• The Pritzker Military Library Literature Award for Lifetime Achievement in Military Writing will recognize Carlo D'Este for his body of work that has profoundly enriched the public understanding of American military history.
• The Founder's Award will honor the remarkable civic and philanthropic efforts of Peder Dahlberg.
• The Colby Award will recognize Karl Marlantes for his first work, Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War.