[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 8, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S4079]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 265--RECOGNIZING THE ELLIS ISLAND MEDAL OF HONOR AND 
       COMMENDING THE NATIONAL ETHNIC COALITION OF ORGANIZATIONS

  Mrs. CLINTON submitted the following resolution; which was referred 
to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                                 S. 265

       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 ethnic 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 Senate--
       (1) recognizes the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for 
     acknowledging individuals who live exemplary lives as 
     Americans while preserving the values of their particular 
     ethnic groups; and
       (2) commends the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations 
     for its--
       (A) sponsorship of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor; and
       (B) ongoing work to promote harmony and understanding 
     between groups.

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