U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-2nd dist.) last week received the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial Medal for 2020 from the national chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians.
The medal is the highest honor that the Hibernians bestow.
“I am truly humbled and honored to accept this prestigious award,” Boyle said. “I would like to thank the national Ancient Order of Hibernians for this special recognition. From my first day in the halls of Congress, I have made it a priority to use my position to address Irish-American issues and to further the U.S.-Ireland relationship. I am particularly proud of our tireless work in preventing the re-imposition of a hard border on the island of Ireland in the wake of Brexit, helping the undocumented Irish in America and honoring the 1916 Easter Rising centennial with a permanent memorial on Capitol grounds. I look forward to continuing this important work.”
During the virtual award presentation via Zoom, AOH President Judge James McKay spoke of Boyle’s work on maintaining the Good Friday agreement amid Brexit, securing funding for the International Fund for Ireland and his dedication to Irish immigration.
“Brendan is a true leader who recognizes the role Irish America played in building our country, and the importance of the special relationship shared by the United States and Ireland,” McKay said. ••
