[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4474]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ELLIS ISLAND MEDAL OF HONOR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 11, 2002

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 377 and to acknowledge the importance of the Ellis Island Medal of 
Honor, an award established by the National Ethnic Coalition of 
Organizations to applaud individuals of various ethnic groups for their 
contributions to the United States.
  The Ellis Island Medal of Honor organization is a member of the 
National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations, the largest organization of 
its kind in the United States, representing over 5 million family 
members and serving as a uniting force for 275 organizations in the 
fields of ethnic heritage, culture, and religion. The commitments of 
this organization include the preservation of cultural diversity, the 
promotion of equality, the battle for justice, and the peacekeeper 
among all peoples.
  The Ellis Island Medal of Honor serves to acknowledge individuals 
whom have accomplished personal achievements while promoting their 
particular heritage. The award is named in honor of the persistence of 
12,000,000 immigrants as they entered a new world to pursue freedom and 
economic opportunity. This award honors the commitments of peoples 
seeking to preserve their heritage in a diverse nation.
  The Ellis Island Medal of Honor is important in that it acknowledges 
the contributors of our great nation.
  Since the Ellis Island Medal of Honor was established in 1986, over 
1,500 individuals from many different ethnic groups have received the 
award, including over 5,000 individuals whom are nominated each year. I 
was honored to receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and I greatly 
respect the achievements of the other recipients of this award.
  At the 2002 Ellis Island Medal of Honor ceremony, contributors to the 
relief and recovery efforts of September 11 will be honored. These 
honorees and other contributors to the United States will rightly be 
recognized under the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for their achievements 
and dedication to their country.

                          ____________________