Former Vice President Mike Pence delivered a rare moment of political unity and reflection this week as he accepted the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, recognizing his decision to uphold the peaceful transfer of power following the January 6th Capitol riot.
At a ceremony hosted by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library Foundation in Boston, Pence was honored for resisting intense pressure — including from then-President Donald Trump — to overturn the results of the 2020 election. His actions, seen by many as a pivotal defense of constitutional order during one of the darkest days in modern American democracy, drew applause from the crowd.
“I will always believe, by God’s grace, I did my duty that day to support the peaceful transfer of power under the Constitution of the United States of America,” Pence said to sustained applause.
Though he has since become increasingly isolated within the Republican Party, particularly among Trump loyalists, Pence emphasized the importance of crediting both Republican and Democratic leaders who, despite the political chaos, chose to do the right thing.
“Institutions held on January 6 because leaders in both political parties, Republicans and Democrats, did their duty,” he stated.
Caroline Kennedy, daughter of President John F. Kennedy and honorary president of the JFK Library Foundation, praised Pence’s decision on January 6 as one of great personal and political risk.
“Vice President Pence put his life and career — and that of his family — on the line to execute his constitutional responsibilities,” she said, adding that he upheld “the fundamental democratic principle of free and fair elections.”
Pence used the moment not only to accept the recognition but to call for a return to unity in American civic life.
“Whatever differences we may have as Americans, the Constitution is the common ground on which we stand,” he said.
“We all have our differences, but I always believe that there is more that unites us in this country than could ever divide us.”
His remarks took on a hopeful, even pastoral tone as he spoke about the Americans who quietly sustain the nation.
“I have faith in the countless Americans who make this country work every day… people who get up every morning, put in an honest day’s work, look after their families, do the right thing when nobody’s watching,” Pence said. “We see you, we honor you, and we know you are the ones that make America great and always will.”
The Profile in Courage Award, inspired by President Kennedy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book about U.S. senators who risked their careers for principle over popularity, has been awarded to figures like President Gerald Ford, Rep. John Lewis, and President Barack Obama.
Pence’s presence at the event and his bipartisan framing of January 6 stood in stark contrast to his increasingly marginal position within the GOP, where Trump’s influence remains dominant. After mounting an unsuccessful 2024 presidential campaign challenging Trump, Pence has largely faded from political prominence—but the award signals recognition for a moment that transcended party lines.
The ceremony can be viewed on the JFK Library Foundation’s official YouTube channel.