Ellis Island Honors Society facts for kids
The Ellis Island Honors Society (EIHS) is a special group in the United States. Its main goal is to celebrate and protect different cultures. It also works to help people from all backgrounds understand and respect each other. The EIHS started in 1984. Back then, it was called the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO). In 2017, it changed its name to the Ellis Island Honors Society.
The EIHS gives out an award called the "Ellis Island Medal of Honor". This award goes to American citizens, whether they were born in the U.S. or became citizens later. These honored people are chosen because they keep their family's heritage alive. They also show the important values of the American way of life.
How It Started
The organization was founded by William Denis Fugazy Sr. in June 1984. He started it because some people were not happy with how another award was given out. This other award was called the "Medal of Liberty." It was part of a big celebration for the Statue of Liberty's repairs.
A group chose 12 famous immigrants for the Medal of Liberty. But Mr. Fugazy and others felt that many important immigrant groups were left out. For example, they felt that Italian Americans, Irish Americans, and Polish Americans were not represented enough.
The group that worked with the Medal of Liberty agreed to help NECO. They worked together on the Ellis Island Medals of Honor. The U.S. Congress even supported these new awards in 1986.
Mr. Fugazy gave out the first 80 Ellis Island Medals of Honor on October 27, 1986. Some famous people who received the award that day included Joe DiMaggio, Victor Borge, Muhammad Ali, and Rosa Parks.
What They Do
The Ellis Island Honors Society continues to give out the Medal of Honor every year. This award celebrates people who have made a big difference. They honor those who show great respect for their own heritage. They also recognize people who live by American values.
Many important people have received this award. Seven U.S. presidents have been nominated. Both famous people and everyday heroes have been honored.
Other Activities
From 1987 to 1990, the organization also gave out "Golden Pit Awards." These awards were given to TV shows and movies. They were meant to point out shows that used unfair ideas about different ethnic groups.
In 2004, a U.S. Representative named Charles Rangel praised the organization. He said it was a group of 143 different ethnic interest groups working together.
Nasser J. Kazeminy took over from William Denis Fugazy Sr. as the head of the organization. Lee Iacocca, a friend of Mr. Fugazy Sr., also helped lead the group until 2012.
In 2016, the Ellis Island Honors Society honored Wendy Diamond. She received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for her work helping others.
