A reception was held to announce the 2011
Ellis Island Medals of Honor. The medals were established by
National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) in 1986.
Both the United States House of Representatives and the
United States Senate have officially recognized the Ellis
Island Medals of Honor. Each year’s recipients are read into
the Congressional Record.
The Ellis Island Medals of Honor are
awarded annually to a group of distinguished American
citizens who exemplify a life dedicated to community service
and family: people who preserve and celebrate the history,
traditions and values of his/her ancestry and who dedicate
themselves to creating a better world. The honorees are said
to exemplify outstanding qualities in both their personal
and professional lives, while continuing to preserve the
richness of their particular heritage.
The Ellis Island Medals of Honor
celebrate the diversity of American life, honoring not only
individuals, but the pluralism and democracy that have
enabled ancestry groups to maintain their identities while
becoming integral parts of the American Way of life.
A ceremony will be held on May 7, 2011 on
Ellis Island. The Great Hall where immigrants were once
processed hosts the gala dinner which follows the ceremony.
All branches of the United States Armed Forces traditionally
participate. Past Medalists include six Presidents, as well
as Nobel Prize winners and leaders of industry, education,
the arts,
sports and government.
For more information please e-mail:
ellisislandrose@aol.com