37th Elias Island Medal Honor in New York

 The medals were established at the time of NECO’s founding in 1986; a ceremony is held each May on Ellis Island.[4] All branches of the United States Armed Forces traditionally participate. Both the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate have officially recognized the Ellis Island Medals of Honor, and each year’s recipients are read into the Congressional Record. The Great Hall where immigrants were once processed hosts the gala dinner which follows the ceremony.