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2011 Ellis Island Family Heritage Awards

I had the privilege of attending the 2011 Ellis Island Family Heritage Awards in this, a particularly special year -- the 125th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty's dedication as a gift to the people of America from France.
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genealogical adventurer and storyteller

genealogical adventurer and storyteller
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I had the privilege of attending the 2011 Ellis Island Family Heritage Awards in this, a particularly special year -- the 125th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty's dedication as a gift to the people of America from France, as well as the 10th anniversary of the award. This year's recipients were Founding Chairman of The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Lee Iococca, diplomat George Mitchell and sports champions, Martina Navratilova and Joe Torre. As always the event was emotional, inspiring and flawlessly executed (especially remarkable in light of the recent government shutdown possibility). I invite you to view some of the highlights of this year's festivities.

2011 Ellis Island Family Heritage Awards
2011 Ellis Island Family Heritage Awards program(01 of14)
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Ellis Island Family Heritage Awards stage(02 of14)
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Before the event, the stage is set with large images of past and present awardees flanking the screen that will feature "This Is Your Life" style presentations for each of this year's recipients.
Host Deborah Norville(03 of14)
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Inside Edition's Deborah Norville was the host for this year's event. Referring to her own roots, she surprised the audience by slipping into Swedish.
Songs of Irving Berlin(04 of14)
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A lively group of singers belted out songs of Ellis Island immigrant, Irving Berlin. Great acoustics!
Joe Torre receives his award(05 of14)
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Baseball champion and manager Joe Torre was the first to receive his award.
Joe Torre remembers(06 of14)
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An emotional Joe Torre recalls the abuse his mother endured and how she was made to feel ashamed that she had not been born in America. Her experiences prompted him to found the Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation and Margaret's Place (named after his mother) to help those coping with domestic violence.
George Mitchell receives his award(07 of14)
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Noted diplomat and peacemaker George J. Mitchell, Jr., of Lebanese and Irish heritage, receives his award.
Martina Navratilova receives her award(08 of14)
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Tennis champion Martina Navratilova noted that it was probably a good thing that she was the immigrant or her name might have been shortened to Nova. Once a defector from then-Communist Czechoslovakia, she recently regained Czech citizenship and is now a dual national.
Seven-year-old Martina Navratilova hits the courts(09 of14)
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A young Martina Navratilova takes to the courts for the first time. Now a spokesperson for several causes, she mentioned that she was only able to come out as gay after gaining her U.S. citizenship (in 1981, this would have been grounds for denial) and expressed her wish that the U.S. would be welcoming to immigrants and extend equal rights to gay and lesbian citizens.
Lee Iacocca receives his award(10 of14)
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Long overdue, industrial, philanthropist and "Father of the Mustang," Lee Iacocca, receives an award from The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation that he established in 1982 at the request of President Ronald Reagan.
Award recipients with Steve Briganti and Deborah Norville(11 of14)
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Steve Briganti, Deborah Norville, George Mitchell, Lee Iacocca, Martina Navratilova and Joe Torre
2011 Ellis Island Family Heritage Award recipients(12 of14)
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George Mitchell, Lee Iacocco, Martina Navratilova and Joe Torre
Martina Navratilova's B.C. Forbe's Peopling of America award(13 of14)
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She remarked that she didn't know you could make a verb of "people."
Joe Torre signs autographs(14 of14)
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Good-natured Joe Torre takes time to sign autographs for excited youngsters who got an unexpected surprise during a class field trip.

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