Bucks Congressman Honored With Prestigious AOH Kennedy Medal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bucks County Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) was honored over the weekend with the prestigious 2024 John F. Kennedy Memorial Medal from the National Chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) at its 102nd National AOH-LAOH Convention.

The AOH John F. Kennedy Memorial Medal is the highest and most prestigious honor bestowed by the Ancient Order of Hibernians and is awarded to individuals who are “outstanding in his or her field of endeavor” and have made extraordinary contributions to the Irish-American community and the broader cause of peace and unity.

Recipients of the JFK Medal are national leaders whose dedication to promoting Irish heritage, advocating for peace, and upholding social justice has left an indelible mark on the world. Past honorees include influential figures such as Nobel Peace Prize Laureate John Hume, His Eminence John Cardinal O’Connor, and Major General Patrick Henry Brady.

“I am deeply humbled to receive the John F. Kennedy Memorial Medal Award—a profound honor bestowed upon not only me, but the entire Fitzpatrick family. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Ancient Order of Hibernians for this extraordinary recognition and the values it embodies," said Fitzpatrick.

"Since entering Congress, I have made it a priority to ensure the voices of Irish Americans and the interests of Ireland are well-represented, ardently defended, and never forgotten. And I remain resolved 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.

In presenting the award, AOH National President Sean Pender said, "We were proud to celebrate our Hibernian brother, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. Congressman Fitzpatrick’s tireless dedication to peace and justice in Ireland and steadfast commitment to bipartisan leadership resonate deeply with the core values of our organization."

He continued, "His unwavering efforts as a problem solver, both in Congress and within 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 of peace, unity, and the values we cherish makes him a truly deserving recipient of this distinguished award. Once again, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude for his continued service and support."

Bucks County AOH President Bill Lacey added, “Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick is a leader who recognizes the role Irish Americans play in our country. He is not only a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, but 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 established in the 1960s. Brian's selection from a distinguished field of candidates is a true tribute to him being a multi-generational Hibernian who truly understands the importance that the Irish had in building not only this great country but the special relationship shared by Ireland and the United States of America."

The AOH has chapters in Bucks County in Bristol, Newtown, Doylestown, and Levittown.

AOH Michael Dougherty Division 1 (Bristol, PA) President Jeff Sproehnle, said of the Congressman, “Brian is constantly working diligently across the aisle for all of his constituents to make things better for all of us and the Irish causes and has been at the forefront of the Irish needs 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 everything that you do."

And AOH Division 5 (Levittown) President Ken Moran added, "Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has an incredible interest in and knowledge of the critically important issues affecting Ireland and, as such, is widely recognized by the Irish community as a true friend of Ireland. All of the members of AOH Division 5 in Levittown are extremely proud of Brian and appreciative of his dedication to the AOH and Irish-American community in Bucks County. On behalf of all of us at Division 5, I want to extend congratulations on this truly well-deserved honor,” said AOH Division 5 (Levittown) President Ken Moran.

Congressman Fitzpatrick holds several key leadership roles in the US House of Representatives, including serving as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Intelligence on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, the House Ways & Means Committee, and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Additionally, he Co-Chairs the Problem Solvers Caucus, Congressional Ukraine Caucus, House Cancer Caucus, and the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force. He is a dedicated member of the Friends of Ireland Caucus, champion for the International Fund for Ireland, and steadfast advocate for preserving peace in Northern Ireland.

Since entering Congress, Fitzpatrick has been a leading advocate for Irish issues, championing numerous Congressional initiatives, House Resolutions, and briefings focused on Irish legacy justice. From his unwavering commitment to the Good Friday Agreement to leading the charge in rallying US support for Ireland’s legal efforts following the contentious Northern Ireland Amnesty law, he has been a steadfast defender of peace, justice, and the rights of Ireland and Irish-American people on the global stage.