Quintessential golf architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr. will be honored tomorrow night at the 2012 Ellis Island Medals of Honor ceremony, a high recognition given to remarkable Americans who exemplify outstanding qualities in both their personal and professional lives while continuing to preserve the richness of their particular heritage. Over 100 Americans descended from immigrants who passed through Ellis Island are honored each year for contributing to our country’s national identity, while preserving and promoting the distinct values and heritage of their ancestry.
This year’s recipients also include Frankie Valli and Brooke Shields, among others.
Established in 1986 by NECO, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor was designed to pay homage to the immigrant experience, as well as for individual achievement. Medals are awarded to U.S. citizens from various ethnic backgrounds whose professional and personal contributions have created a better world. Both the United States House of Representatives and Senate have officially recognized the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and each year’s recipients are read into the Congressional Record.
“I’m deeply honored and moved. I’m also overjoyed because I get to celebrate this honor with my loving wife Claiborne on both mother’s day and her birthday,” said Jones.
We’ll have more coverage of the event over the weekend. Last year’s winners included former Miami Dolphins football coach Don Shula and New York Daily News cartoonist and columnist Bill Gallo.
