Courageous profiles

Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg (2nd r), president of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and daughter of the late president John F. Kennedy, applauds this year's recipients of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Awards--United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan (l), former Palos Heights, IL, Mayor Dean Koldenhoven (2nd, l) and U.S.

Army Lt. Col. Marilyn Wills--at a recent ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum in Boston. The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Awards are presented annually to people who have withstood opposition to do what they believe is right. Annan, 63, of Ghana, was honored for his efforts to combat AIDS, pursue peace and shape a world response to terrorism. Koldenhoven, who lost his bid for re-election last year, received the award for speaking out against intolerance toward the local Islamic community. Wills, who aided in the rescue of people trapped inside the Pentagon following the Sept. 11 attack, was among four public servants invited to represent the thousands of men and women who responded to the terrorist attacks with courage and heroism. The awards, named after President Kennedy's Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Profiles in Courage, which tells the stories of eight American politicians who risked their careers to fight for their beliefs, were created in 1989 to honor Kennedy's commitment and contribution to public service.