This weekend, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick was honored to receive the prestigious 2024 John F. Kennedy Memorial Medal at the 102nd National AOH-LAOH Convention of the National Chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH).

The AOH John F. Kennedy Memorial Medal is the highest and most prestigious award of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and is given to individuals who are “eminent in their field of endeavour” and have made exceptional contributions to the Irish-American community and to the larger cause of peace and unity. Recipients of the JFK Medal are national leaders whose dedication to promoting Irish heritage, promoting peace and upholding social justice has left an indelible mark on the world. Past recipients include influential figures such as Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume, His Eminence John Cardinal O’Connor and Major General Patrick Henry Brady.

“I am deeply honored to receive the John F. Kennedy Memorial Medal Award – a great honor bestowed not only on me, but on the entire Fitzpatrick family. I would like to thank the Ancient Order of Hibernians from the bottom of my heart for this extraordinary recognition and the values ​​it embodies. Since entering Congress, I have made it a priority to ensure that the voices of Irish Americans and the interests of Ireland are well represented, passionately defended, and never forgotten. And I remain committed to advancing our shared pursuit of peace and justice, celebrating and sharing our rich Irish heritage, and upholding the Hibernian principles that have guided and inspired us for generations,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

“We were proud to honor our fellow Hibernian, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, and present him with the prestigious AOH John F. Kennedy Medal at the 102nd Biennial AOH-LAOH Congress. Congressman Fitzpatrick’s tireless dedication to peace and justice in Ireland and his unwavering commitment to bipartisan leadership are consistent with our organization’s core values. His tireless efforts as a problem solver, both in Congress and in his community, are inspiring and have left an indelible mark. His ability and commitment to bridge divides, seek common ground, and serve as a champion for peace, unity, and the values ​​we cherish make him a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award. Once again, we extend our warmest congratulations and gratitude for his continued service and support,” said AOH National President Sean Pender.

“Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick is a leader who recognizes the role of Irish Americans in our country. Not only is he a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, but he is also a brother and son of proud members of our Order. The JFK Memorial Medal is the most prestigious award given by our noble Order since its founding in the 1960s. Brian’s selection from a select field of candidates is a true tribute to him as a multi-generational Hibernian who truly understands the importance the Irish have had in building not only this great country, but the special relationship between Ireland and the United States of America,” said Bill Lacey, President of the Bucks County AOH.

“It is a great honor for Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick to receive the John F. Kennedy Memorial Medal as one of our members of the Michael Dougherty Division 1 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America based in Bristol, Pennsylvania. Brian continually works diligently across party lines for all of his constituents to make things better for all of us and Irish causes, and is on the front lines of the needs of the Irish both here in the United States and in Ireland. We are glad and proud to have him as a brother Hibernian. Thank you, Brian, for all that you do,” said Jeff Sproehnle, President of the AOH Michael Dougherty Division 1 (Bristol, Pennsylvania).

“Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has an incredible interest in and knowledge of the extremely important issues affecting Ireland, and as a result, he is widely recognized by the Irish community as a true friend of Ireland. All members of AOH Division 5 in Levittown are extremely proud of Brian and appreciate his commitment to the AOH and the Irish-American community in Bucks County. On behalf of all of us in Division 5, I want to congratulate you on this truly well-deserved honor,” said Ken Moran, President of AOH Division 5 (Levittown, Pa.).

Congressman Fitzpatrick holds several key leadership positions in the U.S. House of Representatives, including Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Intelligence of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, the House Appropriations Committee, and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. In addition, he co-chairs the Problem Solvers Caucus, the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, the House Cancer Caucus, and the Bipartisan Task Force on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. He is a dedicated member of the Friends of Ireland Caucus, a champion of the International Fund for Ireland, and a tireless advocate for maintaining peace in Northern Ireland.

Since entering Congress, Fitzpatrick has been a leading advocate for Irish causes, championing numerous congressional initiatives, House resolutions, and briefings on the subject of Ireland’s legacy of justice. From his unwavering commitment to the Good Friday Agreement to leading the campaign to mobilize U.S. support for Ireland’s legal efforts under the controversial Northern Ireland Amnesty Act, he has been a staunch defender of peace, justice, and the rights of Ireland and Irish-Americans on the world stage.

Founded in 1836, the Ancient Order of Hibernians is the oldest and largest Irish Catholic organization in the United States. Established to protect the rights of Irish immigrants and preserve their cultural heritage, the AOH has played an important role in representing Irish American interests and fostering a sense of community. The organization’s mission is deeply rooted in promoting friendship, unity and Christian charity, with a focus on supporting educational initiatives, promoting peace in Ireland and preserving Irish culture and traditions. Today, the AOH continues to serve as a beacon of support for Irish-Americans and their communities and is committed to upholding the values ​​and legacy of its founders.