On Saturday, California State Senator Anthony J. Portantino, who represents Pasadena in Sacramento, was awarded with the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award by the Ellis Island Honor Society. He joined 92 awardees from around the county “whose accomplishments in their field and inspired service to our nation are worthy of commendation.”

Senator Portantino joins notable Italian Americans Frank Sinatra, Joe Torre and Lee Iacocca as recipients of the Medal of Honor. He was nominated for the award by two Medal of Honor awardees from the 25th State Senate District, Mary Najarian and Cecile Keshishian.