“Jan. 6 was a tragic day,” Pence said during his speech Sunday night. “But it became a triumph of freedom. And history will record that our institutions held.”

“I will always believe, by God’s grace, I did my duty that day,” Pence said. “To support the peaceful transfer of power under the Constitution of the United States of America.”

The award is named after John F. Kennedy’s 1957 book of the same name. It features the biographies of eight U.S. senators throughout history who demonstrated acts of bravery and courage during their lives. 

Kennedy’s grandson, Jack Schlossberg, introduced Pence at the ceremony and praised him for saving “America that day.” The former president’s daughter, Caroline Kennedy, said Pence’s bravery “saved our government and warned us about what could happen and is happening right now.”

“Vice President Pence put his life career and that of his family on the line to execute his constitutional responsibilities. His actions preserved the fundamental democratic principle of free and fair elections, and we are proud to honor him,” Kennedy’s daughter said.

Pence, meanwhile, shared credit for the events of that day. He said it was due to leaders from both political parties who prioritized the country over partisan squabbles and “did their duties.”

“Our institutions held that day, not because of any one person, but because leaders in both political parties, Republicans and Democrats, did their duties,” Pence said. “So I came tonight to give credit where credit is due, but also to say in these divided times, in these anxious days, I know in my heart that we will find our way forward as one nation.”

Later, after the ceremony, while speaking to Fox News Digital, Pence mentioned some of the people he talked to over the years who expressed gratitude for his actions. 

“I’ve been deeply humbled by how many Americans have come up to me and just taken a point to encourage us and support us, and it convinces me that the American people know that whatever differences we may have, the Constitution is the common ground on which we stand,” Pence said.

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Pence also praised the people he thinks “make America great.”

“I have faith in the countless Americans who make this country work every day,” Pence said. “So should you people who get up every morning, put in an honest day’s work, look after their families, do the right thing when nobody’s watching, and never get a chance for a night like this. I want you to know we see you, we honor you, and we know you are the ones that make America great and always will.”