Former Vice President Mike Pence Receives the JFK Courage Award
Mike Pence stood tall when it counted most. Former Vice President Mike Pence received the JFK Courage Award in 2025.
The John F. Kennedy Library gave him this big honor. Why? He kept his promise to the Constitution on January 6, 2021.
An angry mob stormed the Capitol. They wanted to stop the vote count. Pence said no. He made sure the election results went through.
This kept our peaceful transfer of power in the U.S. safe. It showed true civic courage in U.S. politics.
The award day was May 4, 2025. Caroline Kennedy and her son, Jack Schlossberg, handed it to Pence. They spoke kind words.
This event brought people together. It proves we can agree on what is right for America.
Former Vice President Mike Pence receives the JFK Courage Award
The JFK Courage Award began in 1989. It comes from a book by President John F. Kennedy. The book tells stories of brave leaders.
They did the right thing even when it was hard. The award goes to public servants who act with guts.
Every year, the JFK Library picks one or more winners. They look for courage in a public service award. Winners risk their jobs or safety.
In 2025, Mike Pence’s Profile in Courage Award became part of this proud list. Learn more at the JFK Library award page1.
Quick Facts on the Award
- Started in 1989.
- Honors leadership under pressure.
- Given at the JFK Library in Boston.
- Past winners include heroes like John Lewis.
This award teaches kids and adults about upholding American democracy.
Why Pence Got the Award
Former Vice President Mike Pence receives the JFK Courage Award for one key day. January 6, 2021. Pence was Vice President.
His job? Lead the count of election votes in Congress. Some people, including the president at the time, wanted Pence to throw out votes.
They said he could pick the winner. But that is not true. The Constitution says the Vice President just counts the votes.
Pence said no. He faced big pressure. The mob yelled his name. They wanted to hurt him. The Secret Service said Leave the building.
Pence stayed. He talked to leaders. He kept things calm. When it was safe, he finished the count. Joe Biden became president. This was Pence’s January 6 decision at its best.
Caroline Kennedy said, “His courage saved our government.” Jack Schlossberg said, “We are patriots first.” These words show bipartisan political recognition. Read the full story on BBC News2.
What Happened Step by Step on Jan 6
- Pence tells others he will follow the law.
- Mob breaks into the Capitol.
- Pence hides but does not run away.
- He starts the count again at night.
- Votes are official early the next morning.
This act protected democratic values and constitutional duty.
Who Is Mike Pence?
Mike Pence grew up in a small town in Indiana. He was born in 1959. He loved history and law. He went to college. Then he became a lawyer. Pence hosted a radio show, too. People liked his calm voice.
In 2000, he won a seat in Congress. He served there for 12 years. He fought for family values. In 2013, he became the Governor of Indiana.
He helped create jobs. In 2016, he joined Donald Trump. They won the election. Pence was Vice President for four years.
After 2021, Pence wrote a book. He started a group to help with freedom. His life shows public service ethics. The Mike Pence political courage recognition fits him well.
Pence’s Big Wins
- Cut taxes as governor.
- Helped with space plans as VP.
- Spoke up for the Constitution.
These steps made him ready for tough times.
The Big Day of the Award
May 4, 2025. A sunny Sunday. The ceremony happened live. Many watched online. Pence honored by the JFK Library, made news.
Caroline and Jack stood with Mike and Karen Pence. Pence held a lantern. It means light in dark times.
Jack talked with Pence after. They laughed about disagreeing on some things. But they agreed on loving America. This was Profiles in Courage legacy in action. See details from IU Law School3.
Words That Stuck
- Caroline: “I thought he was just doing his job. Now I see he saved us.”
- Jack: “Patriots before partisans.”
- Pence: “Thank you. I follow the Constitution.”
The JFK Presidential Library awards 2025 shone bright with this.
Why This Award Matters Today
Former Vice President Mike Pence receives the JFK Courage Award, and it helps us all. America faces hard talks. People fight over elections. This award says: Be brave. Put country first.
It brings sides together. Kennedys are Democrats. Pence is a Republican. Yet they honor the same thing. This is government accountability and integrity.
Numbers tell the story:
- Over 1,200 people arrested on Jan 6.
- Most Americans want fair votes.
Pence’s story gives hope. It links to historical political awards.
Who It Helps
- Government workers: Do the right thing.
- Kids in school: Learn about bravery.
- Everyone: See peaceful transfer of power in the U.S. works.
People around the world watched. They see America can fix itself.
Pence and the Vote Count Job
Pence had one main job that day. Open envelopes. Read the numbers. Announce the winner. Simple. But not that day.
Some said he could say no to some states. Lawyers said wrong. Pence knew the rules. He wrote a letter. “I must count, not choose.” This was the Pence 2020 election certification.
His choice kept American democracy strong.
What People Said About the Award
Many clapped. Some wondered why now. But most saw the good.
- Friends of Pence: “He earned it.”
- Others: “Good to see unity.”
- News: Mike Pence receives JFK Courage Award.
Polls show:
- Half of the people like what Pence did on Jan 6.
This Pence honor by JFK Library brings calm.
Pence Compared to Other Winners
The JFK Courage Award winner list has stars. Like Gerald Ford. He forgave Nixon. It was hard, but it healed the country.
Pence is like them:
- Faced real danger.
- Said no to his team.
- Saved the day.
Check the full list at the JFK site.
Winners Table
| Year | Name | Brave Act |
| 1990 | Carl Elliott | Fought for rights |
| 2022 | Liz Cheney | Told the truth on Jan 6 |
| 2025 | Mike Pence | Kept the vote fair |
See the pattern? leadership under pressure.
How They Pick Winners
Easy steps:
- Anyone can nominate.
- The group reads all the stories.
- Pick the bravest.
- Vote yes.
For Pence, Pence January 6 decision won easily. It answers what the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award is about.
Lessons We Can Use
Former Vice President Mike Pence receives the JFK Courage Award. What can you learn?
- Know your job.
- Stay cool when mad people yell.
- Talk to helpers.
- Love country more than the team.
These make public service ethics real. Try them in your life.
What the Book Started
JFK wrote about eight brave men long ago. They lost friends but won respect. Pence is a new story. Kids read it in class. They write essays: Why did Mike Pence receive the JFK Profile in Courage Award?
Pence After Being VP
Pence did not stop. He ran for president once. Then stopped. Now he talks at meetings. He helps groups. The award gives him a louder voice on the political integrity and democracy award.
What He Does Now
- Writes books.
- Runs a freedom group.
- Teaches civic courage in U.S. politics.
World Sees It Too
Other countries care. The BBC told everyone. They said America shows strength. It helps places with their own votes.
In Schools Now
Teachers use this. JFK Library has videos. Kids watch the ceremony. They learn the significance of the JFK Courage Award for American politics.
Go visit if you can.
FAQs
Why did Mike Pence get the award?
He said no to stopping the vote. Kept it fair.
What is the award?
For brave leaders who do right.
Who got it in 2025?
Mike Pence main one.
How did Pence help on Jan 6?
Stayed and counted votes.
What did Pence say?
Thanks. Constitution first.
How to pick winners?
Nominate. Read. Vote.
Friends Across the Aisle
Mike Pence’s political courage recognition shows we can be friends. Different parties. Same love for rules. This stops fights.
Most want less yelling. This award helps.
Conclusion
Former Vice President Mike Pence receives the JFK Courage Award for keeping America steady. He faced a storm. He chose right. The 2025 honor says thank you. It teaches upholding American democracy. We all can be brave. Patriots unite.
What brave act have you seen in politics lately?
References
- JFK Library: Pence 2025 – Official facts for students and teachers. ↩︎
- BBC: Pence gets courage prize – World view and quotes for a global audience. ↩︎
- IU Law: Pence award news – Law angle for policy fans. ↩︎
