I submit the following: ELLIS ISLAND. NY. MAY 4.-Standing on the hallowed grounds of Ellis Islandthe portal through which 17 million immigrants entered the United Statesa cast of ethnic Americans who have made significant contributions to the life of this nation. among them President William Jefferson Clinton. NYS Attorney General Dennis Vacco. National Football League Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and Little Caesar Enterprises Chairman Michael Illtch. today were presented with the coveted Ellis Island Medal of Honor at an emotionally uplifting ceremony. NECOs annual medal ceremony and reception on Ellis Island in New York Harbor Is the Nations largest celebration of ethnic pride. This years event was dedicated to the memory of Albert Shanker. a 1995 Ellis Island Medal recipient and former President of the American Federation of Teachers and a Vice President of the AFLCIO. Representing a rainbow of ethnic origins. this years recipients received their awards in the shadow of the historic Great Hall. where the first footsteps were taken by the millions of immigrants who entered the U.S. In the latter part of the nineteenth century. "Today we honor great ethnic Americans who. through their achievements and contributions. and In the spirit of their ethnic origins. have enriched this country and have become role models for future generations." said NECO Chairman William Denis Fugazy. "In addition. we honor the immigrant experiencethose who passed through this Great Hall decades ago. and the new immigrants who arrive on American soil seeking opportunity." Mr. Fugazy added. "It doesnt matter how you got here or if you already were here. Ellis Island is a symbol of the freedom. diversity and opportunityingredients inherent in the fabric of this nation.
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