Chaldean-Iraqi Leader Receives Ellis Island Medal of Honor

posted on: May 19, 2010

Attorney Salman T. Sesi, a prominent area attorney who is founder and partner of the law firm Sesi & Sesi, PC of Farmington Hills, was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor at a black tie ceremony in New York City May 9, 2009.

The Ellis Island Medal of Honor is awarded annually to a group of distinguished Americans from across the country who have dedicated themselves to support and defend the values of American life, and build bridges between ethnic, racial and religious groups in the United States and abroad.

Sesi, a native of Iraq who resides in West Bloomfield, said he was notified of the award in February and contacted in March to announce he would be one of the recipients of the award. “What a wonderful honor it is to receive this prestigious award from a national organization. There are many individuals in Michigan who would easily qualify for this award for all the good work they do,” Sesi said.

Sesi is a leader in the Chaldean-Iraqi community of metro Detroit. Over the years he has been very active in community activities where he has represented the Chaldean American community and the food industry. He is a co-founder and past chairman of the Arab American and Chaldean Council, a board member and attorney for the Michigan Food & Beverage Association and the Michigan Business & Professional Association.

Sesi was also advisor for President George H.W. Bush on the first Iraq war helping to bring understanding to the area, and assure minimal loss of life.

Former Ellis Island award recipients from Michigan include Frank Stella, Michael Berry, Tarik Daoud, Edward Deeb, Thomas Angott and Haifa Fakhouri.

Source: Arab and Chaldean Council

Picture caption:
Salman Sesi. Esq.