Gov. Whitmer Receives Courage Award From JFK Foundation [VIDEO]

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Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer will be honored by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation for her role in fighting the coronavirus pandemic. Whitmer is one of eight people to receive the 'Profile in Courage Award.'

The foundation says Whitmer and the other recipients of the award "went above and beyond for their communities."

Who is being honored this year

In addition to Governor Whitmer, the Profile in Courage Award was bestowed on seven others including an Amazon delivery driver, a nurse, a grocery store owner, and Senator Mitt Romney:

• Dr. Amy Acton, Former Director, State Health Department, Ohio
• Burnell Cotlon, Owner, Burnell’s Market, Louisiana
• Fred Freeman, Fire Department Captain, Massachusetts
• Antonio Greene, Amazon Delivery Driver, South Carolina
• Lauren Leander, RN, BSN, CCRN, Intensive Care Nurse, Arizona
• Darrell R. Marks, Native American Academic Advisor, Arizona
• Mitt Romney, Republican Senator, Utah

What is the Profile in Courage Award

The prestigious award is named after then-Senator John F. Kennedy's 1956 book 'Profiles in Courage.' The Pulitzer Prize-winning book is about eight Senators who took a stand and received extensive criticism for defying the opinions of their respective parties and constituents in order to do what they felt was right.

The award was created in 1989 to honor Kennedy's commitment to public service.

Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of President Kennedy and honorary president of the foundation said this year's recipients put the safety and wellbeing of others ahead of their own.

“Today’s honorees put their own lives at risk to keep others safe. They inspire us all with their courage and give new meaning to President Kennedy’s legacy of public service,” Kennedy said.

A virtual ceremony to honor this year's recipients will be held on May 26.