The National Union of Organizations (NECO) announced the winners of the 2017 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Legendary former astronaut Buzz Aldrin, PepsiCo Indra Nooyi Chairman and CEO, TV host and journalist Farid Zakaria, HSN Mindy Grossman CEO, Mohegan Sun Entertainment's Tom Canton, former actress and film studio executive Sherry Lansing, and chef and restaurateur Thomas Keller are among the 100 outstanding Americans in business, government, healthcare, art, and education, as well as those who are honored in all categories of the military that will receive the 2017 medal.
Celebrating Its 31st Anniversary The Ellis Island Medal of Honor ceremony will take place once again on Ellis Island from 6:30 p.m. EST on May 13. Following the Black-tie Gala Dinner at the historic Great Hall, the ceremony will take place in its original registry office, an iconic and literal gateway for 12 million American immigrants.
"Ellis Island remains a symbol of hope, a new beginning, and freedom. Neco's Medal of Honor is meant to remind its citizens to support national inclusion, diversity, and the pursuit of the American Dream for All, meaning it is especially necessary in today's political climate," said Neco's president, Neco Nasser Kazemini. 바다이야기
The medal recognizes those who have made it their mission to share rich knowledge, indomitable courage, infinite compassion, unique talents, and selfless generosity with the less fortunate. Since the medal was founded in 1986, Neco has honored a wide variety of famous Americans, including seven U.S. presidents, Nobel laureates Ellie Wiesel, Norman Schwarzkopf and Colin Powell, Sandra Day O'Connor, Madeleine Albright, Condoleezza Rice and Hillary Clinton, Bob Hope, Muhammad Ali, Frank Sinatra, Rosa Parks, Mike Wallace, and Mia Farrow. All of these people have distinguished themselves through important philanthropy and humanitarian contributions to the United States.
"Nothing compares to the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Not only is the award itself incredibly prestigious, but each year the recipients reflect American diversity across backgrounds, ethnicities, occupations, and more. The medal is a reminder that we may have different backgrounds and stories, but we are all united in this country," said Charlie Wrangle, a Neco board member and legendary former congressman.
