Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle was recently honored as this year’s recipient of the Leo Holmsten Human Life Award. She was recognized during a banquet Oct. 7 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Rochester.
Buerkle, who represents the 25th District in Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga and Onondaga counties, has logged more than 30 years of advocacy for the pro-life movement. She also is a longtime supporter of the special-needs community.
The Holmsten Award is bestowed annually by the Leo Holmsten Human Life Committee, a coalition of Catholic and other pro-life groups. Its inaugural recipient in 1997 was the late Dr. Leo Holmsten, a former abortion provider and Planned Parenthood medical director who later became an outspoken pro-life activist.
Previous Holmsten Award recipients are: 1998 — David C. Hoselton; 1999 — Dr. Thomas R. and Jeanne D. Sweeney; 2000 — Father James E. Hewes; 2001 — Sen. Joseph E. Robach; 2002 — Dr. William R. Morehouse; 2003 — Carol and Richard Crossed; 2004 — Justice William P. Polito; 2005 — Geraldine Oftedahl; 2006 — Dr. Barbara and Jan Fredericks; 2007 — Jann Armantrout; 2008 — the Rev. Duane R. Motley; 2009 — Joan K. Rohr; and 2010 — James R. Harden.
