Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Harvey E. Oyer, III, receives Ellis Island Medal of Honor

Jul 11, 2011 – Harvey E. Oyer, III, a partner in Florida law firm Shutts & Bowen’s West Palm Beach office, is among this year’s recipients of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. The Ellis Island Medal of Honor is given annually to American leaders who have made significant contributions to our national identity while preserving the values and heritage of their ancestors. The awards ceremony was held on May 7th at Ellis Island, followed by a fireworks show at the Statue of Liberty. Other recipients of the 2011 Ellis Island Medal of Honor include entertainer Jerry Lewis, Hall of Fame football coach Don Shula, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Brinkley, former world wrestling champion Bruno Sammartino, and Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, who last November became the first living American to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War.

This is the 25th anniversary of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which recognizes U.S. citizens from various ethnic backgrounds who exemplify outstanding qualities in both their personal and professional lives, while continuing to preserve the richness of their particular heritage. Other past recipients include: Bob Hope, Lee Iacocca, Tom Brokaw, Rosa Parks, Muhammad Ali, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, General Norman Schwarzkopf, Gloria Estefan, Lou Holtz, George Pataki, Paul Tagliabue, Eddie Robinson, Janet Reno, Joe Torre, Rudy Giuliani, Yogi Berra, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Mary Lou Retton, Deepak Chopra, Louis Freeh, Charles Rangel, Mike Piazza, William Rehnquist, Arnold Palmer, Colin Powell, John McCain, Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, Elie Wiesel, Frank Sinatra, and Walter Cronkite

Mr. Oyer, who lives in West Palm Beach, is a fifth generation native of Palm Beach County who has served on many local, national, and international philanthropic boards. He served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps, as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Miami School of Law, as an Adjunct Professor at the Florida Atlantic University Honors College, and is an award-winning children’s book author. He is listed in Best Lawyers in America and has received numerous other awards, including the Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Service.

Founded in 1910, Florida-based Shutts & Bowen LLP counsels businesses and individuals both nationally and internationally. The firm has more than 225 attorneys, and offices in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Tallahassee, Tampa, West Palm Beach and Amsterdam.

For additional information contact
Mary Ann Connors, Coordinator for Professional Activities
305-415-9070
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Founded in 1910, Florida-based Shutts & Bowen LLP counsels businesses and individuals both nationally and internationally. The firm has more than 225 attorneys, and offices in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Tallahassee, Tampa, West Palm Beach and Amsterdam.
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