Singer Ronan Tynan To Be Awarded Ellis Island Medal of Honor, 5/12

Ronan Tynan will be awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor on May 12, 2012, at Ellis Island.

Introduced to international audiences as a member of the Irish Tenors, Ronan Tynan has sung at many auspicious occasions, including George H.W. Bush’s birthday, the Belmont Stakes, and dozens of Yankee Stadium events. Born with a lower limb disability, both legs were amputated below the knee at age 20, yet he went on to win 18 Gold Medals and set 14 World Records in the Paralympics. Then he became a full-fledged medical doctor. He didn’t start voice lessons until he was in his 30s and within a year won three major voice competitions. Tynan’s 2004 solo album debuted at #2 on the charts.

The Ellis Island Medals of Honor pay tribute to the ancestry groups that comprise America's unique cultural Mosaic. The Medals of Honor were established in 1986 by the National Ethnic Coalition (NECO). Each year, The Ellis Island Medals of Honor ceremony celebrates the immigrant experience on Ellis Island through which millions of Immigrants passed on their way to a new life in America. NECO recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to our Nation. Both the United States Senate and House of Representatives have officially passed resolutions recognizing the Ellis Island Medals of Honor, which ranks among this country's most prestigious awards. Each Year, Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipients are listed in the congressional record, honoring those who have made enduring contributions to our nation and to the world.

NECO'S mission was created on the conviction of its founders that the diversity of the American people is what makes this Nation great. Its mission is to honor and preserve this diversity and to foster tolerance, respect and understanding among religious and ethnic groups. NECO partners with respected organizations from around the world to sponsor life saving Initiatives, cultural invents and educational programs. The organization and people affiliated with NECO raise the expectations and standards of excellence, generosity and humanity.

Photo coverage of the event will follow!