Nasser J. Kazeminy, the Chairman of The National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations - NECO, says that Presidents' Day is viewed with a profoundly different perspective by naturalized citizens.

NEW YORK, Feb. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As we approach the national observance of Presidents' Day, one suspects that for most Americans the portraits of our Presidents are simply imposing images of historic men, distant symbols of democracy rather than living, breathing leaders of a nation founded on the principles of democracy and opportunity. Yet for millions of new American citizens, those past Presidents have come to represent a personal pathway to freedom.

The decision to leave one's native land is never made lightly. Often, the more self-aware individuals quietly recognize that the land of their birth has become a dark, draconian place where even open expression can be severely punished. Sometimes racial, religious, gender or even tribal violence is embedded in their society. As they have for generations, these individuals look to America for refuge and a new beginning. They sit for hours contemplating what life would be like in a place where democracy is part of the very fabric of a nation. That self-education of life in America usually begins with discovering a dogeared history book, perhaps a flea market poster of Washington, Lincoln, FDR or Kennedy. In some cases, a clandestine Internet search starts that odyssey for a better life.

The immigrant may have little more than a romanticized notion of what America is about but he or she will look at the photos of those Presidents and contemplate what they achieved on behalf of a nation they want so much to be part of. They will note that many Presidents began with little personal wealth or societal standing.  Many were "self-made," committed to improving their lot through education and the power of persuasion. Some overcame physical challenges. Others suffered unimaginable grief. All of them have come to represent to the naturalized American citizen the enormous potential of this nation and why Presidents' Day to them is more than a trip to the mall.

Equally important for the naturalized citizen is the recognition that our presidents are elected, a concept that, for some immigrants, is almost impossible to imagine. Equally unimaginable is how America allows these leaders to be criticized, even mocked; and how democracy is made that much stronger as a result. (Even today, for those seeking citizenship, reviewing American textbooks that show George Washington being lampooned is beyond comprehension for many.)

NECO was created in 1986 on the conviction of its founders that the diversity of the American people is what makes this nation great. While our nation's history honors the strength of that philosophy, there are events, people and places that bring us together as one. For those who have dreamed of taking the oath of citizenship, Presidents' Day remains one of the most defining dates on the calendar as it allows us to reflect on how the election of the chief executive represents the will of the people in the greatest and the oldest representative democracy in the world. The ability to call yourself a citizen of such a nation is one of the most significant personal achievements that an immigrant can celebrate.  As we confront genuine issues that range from partisan bickering to prejudice and discrimination, it would be equally wise to remember why Presidents' Day honors not just the individuals, but the very foundation upon which their office was created some 228 years ago.  

NECO sponsors the Ellis Island Medals of Honor which are presented annually to American citizens who have distinguished themselves within their own ethnic groups while exemplifying the values of the American way of life. Past Medalists include six U.S. President, one foreign President, Nobel Prize winners and leaders of industry, education, the arts, sports and government, along with everyday Americans who have made freedom, liberty and compassion a part of their life's work.

SOURCE National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO)