Connecticut's governor has received the 2016 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for his public support of resettling Syrian refugees in the U.S.
Kennedy's grandson, Jack Schlossberg, presented the award to Dannel Malloy at a ceremony Sunday morning in Boston.
.@GovMalloyOffice chatting with President Kennedy's grandson, @JBKSchlossberg moments before the ceremony begins. pic.twitter.com/4rjztoPV72
— JFK Library (@JFKLibrary) May 1, 2016
Malloy, a Democrat, was named this year's recipient for his vocal support of refugee resettlement.
"Since childhood, my life has been greatly impacted by the work of JFK." #ProfileInCourage awardee @GovMalloyOffice pic.twitter.com/UbpBVwOjrh
— JFK Library (@JFKLibrary) May 1, 2016
".@GovMalloyOffice treated us with dignity. This country is our future. We love this country." #ProfileInCourage pic.twitter.com/gTe7yKThao
— JFK Library (@JFKLibrary) May 1, 2016
Schlossberg credited Malloy with taking a stand "against the hateful, xenophobic rhetoric" at a time when some governors and presidential candidates sought a ban on Syrian refugees.
America gave a family hope. It is a better place because of the choice that @GovMalloyOffice made. -@JBKSchlossberg pic.twitter.com/nXMJDWsr3g
— JFK Library (@JFKLibrary) May 1, 2016
Malloy announced three days after the Paris attacks that Connecticut would continue to accept refugees from Syria. Schlossberg said that exemplifies JFK's vision of the United States as a nation that welcomes freedom-loving people who are persecuted or in need.
