Former Vice President Mike Pence received the John F. Kennedy “Profile in Courage Award” on Sunday evening for fulfilling his “duty” on January 6, 2021.
“Vice President Pence put his life career and that of his family on the line to execute his constitutional responsibilities. His actions preserved the fundamental democratic principle of free and fair elections and we are proud to honor him,” Caroline Kennedy said upon presenting Pence with the award.
“I will always believe by God’s grace that I did my duty that day,” Pence said.
He declared that January 6 was a “tragic day,” but became a “triumph of freedom.”
“Our institutions held that day, not because of any one person, but because leaders in both political parties, Republicans and Democrats, did their duties,” he stated, adding, “So I came tonight to give credit where credit is due, but also to say in these divided times, in these anxious days, I know in my heart that we will find our way forward as one nation.”
Pence noted that those close to him know he is a conservative because of his belief in “a strong defense, limited government, the right to life, and I’m going to go out on a limb and say that might put me in the minority in this room.”
“But I also have differences with members of my own party, on spending and tariffs,” Pence declared, “and my belief that America is the leader of the free world and must continue to stand with Ukraine until the Russian invasion is repelled and a just and lasting peace is secured.”
