Profile in Courage Award facts for kids
The Profile in Courage Award is a special prize given to people who show great bravery by doing what they believe is right, even when it's unpopular. The award is named after a book written by former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, called Profiles in Courage.
This award honors individuals, often politicians, who follow their conscience instead of just going along with what's popular. They might risk their jobs or face criticism to stand up for a bigger idea that helps their country, state, or community.
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What is the Profile in Courage Award?
The award was created by the Kennedy family to celebrate the kind of courage that President John F. Kennedy (often called JFK) wrote about in his book. The book told stories of American leaders who made difficult decisions for the good of the country.
The award is for people who show similar bravery. They choose to do the right thing, even if it means losing an election or angering powerful groups. They put the needs of the people they serve above their own personal success.
Who Gives Out the Award?
A special committee at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston chooses the winners. This committee includes members of the Kennedy family and other important Americans.
The award ceremony usually happens around JFK's birthday, May 29th. For many years, JFK's daughter, Caroline Kennedy, has presented the award. In the past, other family members like his brother Ted Kennedy, his son John F. Kennedy Jr., and his wife Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis also helped present it.
What Does the Award Look Like?
Winners receive a beautiful lantern made of sterling silver. It was designed by Edwin Schlossberg and created by the famous company Tiffany's.
The lantern's design is based on the ones used on the historic ship, the USS Constitution. This ship, first launched in 1797, is the oldest sailing ship still part of the US Navy. It is now permanently docked near the Kennedy Library in Boston.
Notable Winners of the Award
Instead of being given to just one person, the award has sometimes been given to groups or for a lifetime of brave actions. Here are some of the inspiring people and groups who have received the Profile in Courage Award.
- 1990: Carl Elliott Sr. - As a U.S. representative from Alabama, he fought for laws that supported civil rights and education. His brave stance was very unpopular at the time and cost him his job in Congress.
- 1998: Peacemakers of Northern Ireland - The award was given to a group of leaders from Northern Ireland, including John Hume and Gerry Adams. They showed amazing political courage by working together to sign the Good Friday Agreement, which helped bring peace to their region after many years of conflict.
- 2001: Gerald Ford - As President, Ford made the difficult decision to pardon former President Richard Nixon. This was a very unpopular choice, and many believe it cost him the next election. He was honored for putting the country's need to heal ahead of his own political career.
- 2002: Public Servants of September 11 - This award honored the police officers, firefighters, and military members who risked their lives to save others during the September 11, 2001 attacks.
- 2007: Bill White - As the mayor of Houston, Texas, he welcomed thousands of families who had to leave their homes because of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. His quick and compassionate actions helped save many lives.
- 2013: Gabby Giffords - A former U.S. Representative, Giffords showed incredible personal and physical courage. After surviving a serious injury, she became a powerful voice for new policies to reduce gun violence.
- 2014: George H. W. Bush - The 41st U.S. President was honored for a tough decision he made in 1990. He broke a campaign promise by agreeing to raise taxes to help fix the country's budget problems, knowing it could hurt his chances of being re-elected.
- 2018: Mitch Landrieu - As the mayor of New Orleans, he led the effort to remove four monuments that honored the Confederacy. He was praised for his honest and thoughtful speeches about why this was an important step for his city.
- 2021: Mitt Romney - A U.S. Senator from Utah, he was the first senator in U.S. history to vote to convict a president from his own political party during an impeachment trial. He was recognized for his defense of democracy.
- 2022: Volodymyr Zelenskyy - The President of Ukraine was honored for his incredible courage in leading his country and defending democracy during the invasion by Russia.
- 2025: Mike Pence - The 48th Vice President of the United States was honored for his actions on January 6, 2021. He upheld the Constitution to ensure a peaceful transfer of presidential power, despite facing immense pressure and personal risk.
