The Ellis Island Honors Society (EIHS) hosted the 34^th annual Ellis Island Medals of Honor Ceremony, where ninety-four medalists were recognized for their leadership and service within their communities and professions while exemplifying the values of the American way of life.

The ceremony honored notable names including award-winning recording artist Paula Abdul, former Google Chairman Eric Schmidt, U.S. Representative Adam Schiff, IBM CEO Ginni Rometty, CNN Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, television personality Montel Williams, New York Times columnist Bret Stephens, Washington Post columnist Jason Rezaian, Executive Director of the U.N. World Food Programme David Beasley, Mastercard President and CEO Ajay Banga, Ellis Island:The Dream of America composer Peter Boyer, and more.

The night began with a poignant introduction by EIHS Chairman Nasser Kazeminy and the Masters of Ceremony, journalists Marvin Scott and Tamsen Fadal.

“Tonight, we celebrate an extraordinary group of Americans. They are educators, healers, scientists, artists, thinkers and leaders of industry – all of whom are free to follow their passions and dreams to benefit America and the world,” said Nasser Kazeminy, Chairman of the Ellis Island Honors Society. “Medalists, you represent the best of America, both its glorious past and its bright future. America needs your innovation, leadership and vision.

“You can still feel the joys and sorrows of these American heroes in these hallowed halls. Who among us does not feel a sense of compassion when we think of their struggle? How can we not admire their perseverance? We must never lose that empathy. That compassionate spirit is the cornerstone of democracy and humanity.”

Eric Schmidt

Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, opened the evening of honoree speeches by stating, “Openness to immigration drives everything.” Going back to his Silicon Valley roots, he pointed out that “more than half the people in Silicon Valley are foreigners…if you are open to people coming from different places, you’re bringing in the biggest and brightest.”

Paula Abdul

As the night progressed, honorees reflected on what it means to them to live the American dream and the journeys of their families to start a life in America. Recording artist Paula Abdul defined her American dream as having the ability to inspire people with her artistry.  

Dr. Sanjay Gupta

Dr. Sanjay Gupta reflected on the fact that his parents are the reason for him being able to live his American dream. “Fleeing from Lahore as a refugee, my mother spent the rest of her life feeling as if at any moment her life in America would be taken away,” he said. “But she didn’t let this stop her from becoming the first woman automotive engineer in the United States, which pushed me to become who I am today.”

IBM CEO Ginny Rometty

IBM CEO Ginny Rometty paid homage to female figures in her family that paved the way for her to live her American dream. “My great grandmother, grandmother, and mother were three strong women who taught me only you define who you are, no one else.”

U.S. Representative Adam Schiff

To close the evening, U.S. Representative Adam Schiff reminded us that the day we cease to welcome the world to the shores of America is the day that we cease to be a beacon of hope and lose what it means to be American.

Montel Williams

The 34th Ellis Island Medals of Honor black-tie gala was held in Ellis Island’s Great Hall, the original registry room and the gateway for 12 million immigrants to the U.S, where medalists received and celebrated their awards in front of an impressive view of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.

The Ellis Island Medal of Honor ranks among the nation’s most renowned awards. The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have officially recognized the Ellis Island Medals of Honor, and each year the recipients are listed in the Congressional Record.

To see the full list of 2019 recipients visit: http://eihonors.org/.