The Ellis Island Honors Society —  formerly National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) — was established in 1984 at the behest of President Ronald Reagan to celebrate the contributions of immigrants and their descendants to the United States. EIHS was founded on the conviction that diversity of the American people is what makes this nation great. EIHS’s mission included a commitment to honoring and preserving the nation’s racial and cultural diversity and to foster tolerance, respect and understanding among religious and ethnic groups.

EIHS began awarding the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 1986. Included among the first group of recipients were Rosa Parks, Lee Iacocca, Bob Hope, and Mohammad Ali. The Medal exemplifies the spirit of America at its annual gala which is a celebration of patriotism, tolerance, brotherhood, and diversity. The Ellis Island Medal of Honor recognizes individuals who have made it their mission to share with those less fortunate their wealth of knowledge, indomitable courage, boundless compassion, unique talents, and selfless generosity; all while maintaining the traditions of their ethnic heritage as they uphold the ideals and spirit of America.