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[DOCID: f:hr370ih.txt]






107th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 370

Recognizing the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and commending the National 
                   Ethnic Coalition of Organizations.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 14, 2002

   Mr. Burton of Indiana (for himself and Mr. Rangel) submitted the 
   following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the 
                               Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Recognizing the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and commending the National 
                   Ethnic Coalition of Organizations.

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

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