JFK awards for ousted Iowa justices, US diplomat

BOSTON (AP) -- President John F. Kennedy's only surviving child is celebrating what would have been his 95th birthday this month by honoring three Iowa judges who were ousted after the court unanimously decided to legalize same-sex marriages.

Caroline Kennedy also recognized the U.S. ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, who risked his life to support opponents of President Basher Assad's regime.

Caroline Kennedy heads the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, which promotes the late president's memory and legacy.

She presented the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award on Monday to former Iowa Chief Justice Marsha Ternus and justices David Baker and Michael Streit. The three were ousted in a 2010 retention vote.

The three judges and Ambassador Ford received a sterling silver ship's lantern, symbolizing a beacon of hope.