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Dec. 17 In 1971, when 60 Minutes correspondent Morley Safer asked John Kerry, an antiwar movement leader, "Do you want to be president?," the now Democratic White House hopeful replied, "Of the United States? No."
Senator John Forbes Kerry
Vietnam Veterans Against the War Statement by John Kerry to the Senate Committee of Foreign Relations April 23, 1971
John Forbes Kerry was born on December 11, 1943 at Fitzsimmons Military Hospital in Denver, Colorado, where his father, Richard, who had volunteered to fly DC-3's in the Army Air Corps in World War II, was recovering from a bout with tuberculosis. Not long after Sen. Kerry's birth, his family returned home to Massachusetts.
A graduate of Yale University, John Kerry entered the Navy after graduation, becoming a Swift Boat officer, serving on a gunboat in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. He received a Silver Star, Bronze Star with Combat V, and three awards of the Purple Heart for his service in combat.
By the time Senator Kerry returned home from Vietnam, he felt compelled to question decisions he believed were being made to protect those in positions of authority in Washington at the expense of the soldiers carrying on the fighting in Vietnam.
Senator Kerry with
his daughters
John Kerry Vietnam War Protestor
Senator John Forbes Kerry Photo History
Senator John Forbes Kerry Military History
John F. Kerry Silver Star Medal
History of the Silver Star
Senator John F. Kerry, Candidate in the Making
Senator Kerry's speech at 20th Anniversary of the Vietnam Wall Memorial
Senator John F. Kerry: 2004 Presidential Election Concession Speech - Nov. 3, 2004
John Kerry's Honors & Awards
2002
Massachusetts Telecommunications Council "Policy Maker of the Year"
NAM Vets of Cape Cod and Islands Award For Significant and Exemplary Support Rendered To Veterans of This Country and of the Cape and Islands
John W. McCormick Award for Public Service
2001
June 21, 2002
Parents for Residential Reform, Mass Families Organizing for Change and the Federation for Children with Special Needs presented The Powerful Friend Recognition Award to Senator Kerry "for his outstanding leadership and national voice on behalf of children with disabilities and their families".
Visiting Nurse Association of America's "Legislator of the Year"
Gerry Studds Stewardship Award from the Boston Harbor Island Alliance for his work to preserve the Boston Harbor Islands
Institute of International Education's "Steven P. Duggan Award for International Understanding" for lifetime achievement in public service and leadership in the U.S. Senate
2000
John Kerry receives military honors.
Massachusetts Association of Home Health Care's "Legislator of the Year"
American Jewish Committee's "Congressional Leadership Award" for efforts on religious freedom in the workplace
1999
Friends of the Public Garden's "Henry Lee Award" for efforts to preserve Boston's green spaces
1998
"Zero to Three" Association's "Achievement Award" for work on early childhood development issues
Association for Enterprise's "Leadership Award" for leadership on the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Assumption College's "Presidential Medal"
1997
National Health Association's "Legislator of the Year Award" for support of expanded child care and attention for at-risk children. Sponsored 1997 Early Childhood Development Act
1996
Armenian Assembly of America's Award for service and commitment to the Armenian people. John Kerry was co-sponsor of Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act, providing aid to Armenia and other nations
Time Magazine's "Honest Man in Politics Award" for being only Senator up for reelection in 1996 to vote against Defense of Marriage Act
1995
Environmental Business Council Paul Keogh Award June 9, 1995 for distinguished commitment to environmental industries
1993
Tri-Community Chamber of Commerce George B. Wells Award December 7, 1993 for leadership in tourism
1990
Minority Business Enterprise Legal Defense Fund "Minority Business Development Trendsetter of the Year" June 17, 1990
SMU Labor Education Center Arnold M. Dubin Award November 15, 1990 for outstanding contributions to the causes of labor and social justice
1989
League of Conservation Voters Award honored for having one of the best For environmental voting record over previous 5 years
1988
Commencement speaker for Umass/Boston 20th Commencement UMass Boston Honorary Degree
Brockton Little League's "Appreciation Award" March 7, 1988 for work with special needs division
1986
B'nai Brith Council of Greater Boston's "Man of the Year"
1985
National Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy Award honored JK at a reception at the Boston Center for Adult Education
For additional information about Senator John Kerry visit his personal website or his Senate Office
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Vietnam War History
