America's Inaugural National Heroes Day to Honor Everyday Heroes

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwired - July 20, 2017) - Hollywood filmmakers, sports teams and people across America are standing together this July 20^th to launch "National Heroes Day" (nationalheroesday.com). Penske Media Corporation (PMC), one of the largest digital media companies in the world and parent to leading news site Deadline Hollywood (Deadline.com), is supporting the day, which is designed to celebrate extraordinary Americans who have committed fearless acts of heroism and sacrifice throughout our country. This day will shed light on exceptional citizens who have saved lives and bravely fought against impossible odds to set an example of what it truly means to be a role model. National Heroes Day will occur annually on July 20 to honor individuals across our 50 states, and will continue to honor heroes throughout the year.

National Heroes Day is taking place on the 48th anniversary of NASA's successful Moonwalk, one of the proudest moments in American history. The Day was inspired by the heroism of those who both sacrificed and risked their lives saving others in the tragic Aurora, Colorado movie theater shooting on July 20, 2012 when a gunman killed 12 people and injured 70 others, the largest number of victims in a mass shooting in the U.S. until the Pulse nightclub tragedy in Orlando just four years later. Anita Busch, Film Editor of Deadline.com (owned by PMC), organized National Heroes Day to honor heroes in Aurora -- and across the country -- who have gone largely unrecognized.

"Every day heroes impact our lives, save others and help those suffering. This day is for them," said Busch. "My cousin Micayla Medek's life was taken in the Aurora movie theater shooting. Four outstanding young men died protecting their girlfriends. Families of the deceased, those with brain and spinal cord injuries and both civilians and first responders with PTSD are finding the strength to persevere daily. Sometimes just getting out of bed in the morning is an act of courage. We have unsung heroes across these United States who were never recognized -- ordinary people who perform extraordinary acts. National Heroes Day is a day to showcase America's true heroes."

July 20 also marks the day that Americans did the seemingly impossible and landed two heroes on the moon, thereby fulfilling President John F. Kennedy's directive to beat the Russians in the space race.

"There were so many Americans involved in the Apollo Program who were unrecognized," said Ted Melfi, whose Academy Award-nominated Best Picture Hidden Figures spotlighted the unsung African-American women heroes of that era. "I'm very happy to be part of this day to shine a light on those in the shadows who deserve recognition."

Celebrities, sports teams, and first responders have come together to show their support for National Heroes Day. Filmmakers John Ridley, Randall Wallace, Mike White (Beatriz at Dinner, Enlightened, School of Rock), Ice Cube and his Big3 League are all supporting this day. Also, The Philadelphia Phillies and non-profit organization The Hero In You Foundation have lent their support.

Join us today in celebrating the first National Heroes Day, and help make the world a better place. To recognize and honor a hero that has made an impact in your life, please visit: www.nationalheroesday.com/featuredheroes. And, join in the National Heroes Day social conversation on Twitter @NatlHeroesDay, #NationalHeroesDay, #WhosYourHero and on Facebook at Facebook.com/NatlHeroesDay.

About Penske Media Corporation:
Penske Media Corporation (PMC) is a leading digital media and information services company whose award-winning content attracts a monthly audience of more than 180 million and empowers more than 1 million global CEOs and business thought-leaders in markets that impact the world. Our dynamic events, data services, and rich content entertain and educate today's fashion, retail, beauty, entertainment and lifestyle sectors. Headquartered in New York and Los Angeles with additional offices in 11 countries worldwide, Penske Media is the way global influencers are informed, connected, and inspired. To learn more about PMC and its iconic brands, visit www.pmc.com.

About Deadline Hollywood:
Deadline Hollywood (Deadline.com) first began in March 2006 as Deadline Hollywood Daily. The site was purchased by PMC in 2009 and has since become an authoritative source for breaking news in the entertainment industry, regularly included on lists of top entertainment websites. Influential industry thought leaders and key decision-makers in the entertainment, financial and other business fields track Deadline.com for news breaks multiple times a day. Due to its avid audience, Deadline.com's postings regularly receive more reader comments than all entertainment industry news sites combined.