From Italy to the ‘American Land’ _ Ellis Island honors Bruce Springsteen and his heritage

Ellis Island gives Springsteen heritage award

NEW YORK — Everyone knows he was born in the U.S.A., but Bruce Springsteen’s European heritage is also being celebrated.

The rocker, accompanied by his mother and aunts, received an Ellis Island Family Heritage Award on Thursday.

The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc. presents the award to immigrants or their descendants “who have made a major contribution to the American experience.”

Also honored were investment banker Peter G. Peterson; Avon Chairman and CEO Andrea Jung, and NBA All-Star Dikembe Mutombo (dih-KEHM’-bay moo-TAHM’-boh).

Springsteen’s relatives came through Ellis Island from Italy in 1900.

On the Net:

The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc.: www.ellisisland.org

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

NEW YORK (AP) — Everyone knows he was born in the U.S.A.

On Thursday, Bruce Springsteen’s European roots are being celebrated as the rocker receives an Ellis Island Family Heritage Award.

The honor is presented by the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc. It’s for immigrants or their descendants “who have made a major contribution to the American experience.”

Also being honored are investment banker Peter G. Peterson; Avon Chairman and CEO Andrea Jung, and NBA All-Star Dikembe Mutombo (dih-KEHM’-bay moo-TAHM’-boh).

Springsteen’s relatives came through Ellis Island from Italy in 1900.

On the Net:

The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc.: www.ellisisland.org