[Congressional Bills 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 377 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                         April 9, 2002.
Whereas the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, established by the National Ethnic 
        Coalition of Organizations in 1986, pays tribute to individuals of 
        various ethnic origins who have distinguished themselves through their 
        contributions to the United States;
Whereas the Ellis Island Medal of Honor has been awarded on a bipartisan basis 
        to 6 Presidents and numerous Representatives and Senators;
Whereas the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations is the largest 
        organization of its kind in the United States, representing more than 
        5,000,000 family members and serving as an umbrella group for more than 
        250 organizations that span the spectrum of ethnic heritage, culture, 
        and religion;
Whereas the mandate of the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations is to 
        preserve ethnic diversity, promote equality and tolerance, combat 
        injustice, and bring about harmony and unity among all peoples;
Whereas the Ellis Island Medal of Honor is named for the gateway through which 
        more than 12,000,000 immigrants passed in their quest for freedom of 
        speech, freedom of religion, and economic opportunity;
Whereas the Ellis Island Medal of Honor celebrates the richness and diversity of 
        American life by honoring not only individuals, but the pluralism and 
        democracy that have enabled the Nation's ancestry groups to maintain 
        their identities while becoming integral parts of the American way of 
        life;
Whereas during the 15-year history of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, more than 
        1,500 individuals from scores of different ethnic groups have received 
        the Medal, and more than 5,000 individuals are nominated each year for 
        the Medal; and
Whereas at the 2002 Ellis Island Medal of Honor ceremony in New York City, 
        individuals from different ethnic groups will be honored for their 
        contributions to the rescue and recovery efforts of September 11, 2001, 
        the war against terrorism, and the enhancement of the Nation's homeland 
        security: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for acknowledging 
        individuals who live exemplary lives as Americans; and
            (2) commends the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations for its 
        sponsorship of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.