Military helps celebrate ethnic diversity

Courtesy Photo | Siegfried and Roy, the famous entertainers, wave to the military honor guard that lined the red carpet at the Ellis Island Medal of Honor Gala on Ellis Island. Both performers were honored at the ceremony.  

ELLIS ISLAND, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

05.15.2006

Story by Sgt. James Wilt 

82nd Airborne Division

ELLIS ISLAND, N.Y." On an island that was a gateway to America for approximately 12 million immigrants, more than 1,200 people gathered to celebrate the ongoing dedication of men and women, who continue to contribute to the "American Dream."

With an honor guard of Servicemembers from every branch of the military, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor was given to 102 people for their contributions to humanity on Saturday.

"This is probably the most wonderful award I'll ever get," said Rita Cosby of MSNBC-TV's "Rita Crosby Live and Direct."

For Crosby, the award holds special meaning. Prior to her family's immigration, her father was rescued from a prisoner-of-war camp by U.S. troops during World War II.

"My dad knows the price of freedom," she said.

Crosby also said the Ellis Island award is a 'tribute to all Americans."

The National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations sponsors the awards, said Col. Eugene V. Lombardo (Ret.,) the military liaison to NECO and the son of Italian immigrants. Lombardo said his family entered the country via Ellis Island on a snowy and icy day in January 1928.

To be nominated for an Ellis Island Medal of Honor, candidates must meet certain requirements outlined by NECO.

According to their Web site, http://project-not-paid-for.webflasher.de/, nominees must exemplify a life dedicated to community service, preserve and celebrate the history, traditions and values of his/her ancestry group(s), dedicate himself or herself to support and defend the values of American life, build bridges between ethnic, racial, and religious groups in the U.S. and/or abroad, reinforce the bonds between an American heritage group and its land(s) of origin, nurture the life of a particular ethnic or heritage group, enabling that group to participate more fully in American society, share his or her personal and professional gifts with the local, national, or international community and contribute distinguished service to humanity in any field, profession, or occupation.

Navy Vice Adm. J. Kevin Moran, who was one of this year's recipients, said for him the award marks an "opportunity to give back to the nation what was given to his family."

Moran said he is a first generation Irish-American. After his family immigrated to the U.S., he was given the opportunity to accomplish things no one in his family had accomplished before. He was the first person in his family to graduate college and the first to earn a master's degree.

The blend of ethnicities at the gala painted a landscape representing the award.

"All of us are immigrants," said Former 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper and Medal of Honor recipient Col. Jack Jacobs (Ret.,)

"[I am] very excited to pay tribute to all the groups immigrating for a better life," he said. Jacobs was awarded the MOH for gallantry while serving under the 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam.

Among the recipients were several top leaders in today's military to include Army Brig. Gen Margrit M. Farmer, Army Col. David Fitzgerald, Air Force Col. Frederick H. Martin, Coast Guard Rear Adm. David P. Pekoske, Marine Col. Angela Salinas.

Special musical performances were conducted by the USO "Liberty Bells" and the 82nd Airborne Division All-American Chorus.

The chorus performed two songs to the delight of the audience. "Have You Forgotten" made famous by Darryl Worley and "God Bless the USA" made famous by Lee Greenwood" brought the audience to a standing ovation.

The Paratroopers who make up the Chorus have been repeatedly asked back to the function for the past several years, said Staff Sgt. Jerome D. Coleman.

As part of the honor and color guards, members of the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Abn. Div., 10th Mountain Div. and the United States Military Academy were present.

Secretary of Homeland Defense Hon. Thomas Ridge captured the spirit of the award by noting "American richness is based on its principles, diversity and tolerance."

The United States is built on a foundation of diversity and by tolerating and bridging the gap in each others cultures. America have become a nation of the world.

As Ridge noted, "Diversity gives strength."

• Date Taken: 05.15.2006
• Date Posted: 05.15.2006 09:34
• Story ID: 6374
• Location: ELLIS ISLAND, NEW YORK, US