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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E205-E206]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO THE 2018 ELLIS ISLAND MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS
_____
HON. DARIN LaHOOD
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Monday, February 25, 2019
Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 2018
recipients of the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
Presented annually, the Ellis Island Medals of Honor pay tribute to
our Nation's immigrant heritage, as well as individual achievement. The
Medals are awarded to U.S. citizens from diverse ethnic backgrounds who
exemplify outstanding qualities in both their personal and professional
lives, while continuing to preserve the richness of their particular
heritage and culture. We honor these outstanding individuals because
the important work they do today, creates a better world for all of us
tomorrow. This momentous occasion was celebrated with a patriotic
ceremony on Ellis Island and a recommitment by the leaders of the
organization to their mission of honoring diversity, fostering
tolerance and promoting religious and racial unity across America.
Since the Medals' founding, more than 2,500 American citizens have
received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, including seven American
Presidents, numerous United States Senators and Congressmen, two Nobel
Laureates, and many athletes, artists, clergy, and military leaders.
This Medal is not about material success, nor is it about the politics
of immigration; it is about the people who have committed themselves to
this nation, embraced the opportunities America offers, and most
importantly, who have used those opportunities to not only better their
own lives but make a difference in our country and in the lives of its
people.
Citizens of the United States hail from every nation known to man.
The iconic metaphor of this nation as a veritable melting pot of
cultures continues to ring true, and it is this diversity that adds to
the unique richness of American life. It is the key to why America is
the most innovative, progressive and forward thinking country in the
world. The Ellis Island Medals of Honor not only celebrate select
individuals but also the pluralism and democracy that enabled our
forbearers to celebrate their cultural identities while still embracing
the American way of life. This award serves to remind us all that with
hard work and perseverance anyone can still achieve the American dream.
In addition, by honoring these remarkable Americans, we honor all who
share their origins and we acknowledge the contributions they have made
to America. I commend National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations and
its Board of Directors headed by Nasser J. Kazeminy, for honoring these
truly outstanding individuals for their tireless efforts to foster
dialogue and build bridges between different ethnic groups, as well as
to promote unity and a sense of common purpose in our nation.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the good
works of NECO and in congratulating all of the 2018 recipients of the
Ellis Island Medal of Honor. I include in the Record the names of this
year's recipients.
2018 Ellis Island Medal of Honor Recipients
Ziauddin Ahmed, MD, Nancy Anschutz, Phil Anschutz, Dr. Bahman Atefi,
Maryam
[[Page E206]]
Banikarim, Michael Barnard, Marta Batmasian, Diana L. Bennett, Nicolas
Berggruen, John P. Bilezikian, MD, Lieutenant General Gwen Bingham, Dr.
Ed Bosarge, Vanu C. Bose, Denis A. Bovin, Kay Buck, Sanford R. Climan,
William A. Colon, Armand C. Dellovade, Peter P. Dhillon, Robert
Dilenschneider, General Larry R. Ellis, USA (Ret), Akram Elias, Adam S.
Falkoff, Farnaz Fassihi, David S. Ferriero, Captain Liam J. Flaherty,
Honorable Albert A. Frink, Honorable Edward M. Gabriel, Larry Gagosian,
Professor Henry Louis Gates, Major General Cedric George, Charles M.
Ghailian, Barbara Grapstein, Murat Guzel, Rosemary Hanley, Franco
Harris, Dottie Herman, Dave A. Isay, John W. Jackson, Susan G. Jackson,
Naveen Jain, Francisco S. Jin, Dean Kamen, Farooq Kathwari, Bibiji
Inderjit Kaur Khalsa, James K. Kim, General Joseph Lengyel, Sheriff
Joseph M. Lombardo, Jacob Lozada, PhD, Mun Y. Lum, Colonel Patrick
Mahaney, USA, Commissioner Robert Manfred, Honorable Michael McCaul,
Scott L. Menke, Rita Moreno, Chief Terence A. Monahan, Jeanne D.
Mrozek, MD, Angella Nazarian, David Nazarian, Steven D. Nerayoff, Esq.,
Hadi Partovi, Rear Admiral Steven D. Poulin, Eduardo Rodriguez, Michael
Rogers, USN, Jerrold F. Rosenbaum, MD, Albeti I. Salama, Qiongzhao E.
Schicktanz, PhD, Jeff Schottenstein, Khosrow Semnani, Vicken P.
Sepilian, MD, FACOG, Sir Bruno Serato, Rahmat A. Shoureshi, PhD, Mark
Solazzo, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Shari Staglin, Garen Staglin, Philip E.
Stieg, PhD, MD, Richard W. Stocks, Daniele C. Struppa, PhD, Jon
Stryker, Dennis W. Sullivan, Ardeshir Tavangarian, Dr. Masoud Tayebi,
Anthony K. Tjan, Major General Hugh Van Roosen, Marica F. Vilcek, Jan
T. Vilcek, Josef H. von Rickenbach, Vincent Wang, DO, MD, Arieh
Warshel, PhD, Honorable James W. Ziglar, Anita G. Zucker.
International Ellis Island Medal of Honor Recipients
Stefan W. Hell, Hinduja Foundation, Albert II Prince of Monaco.
____________________
