The New Jersey Hall of Fame

HOST: Welcome to AMERICAN MOSAIC in VOA Special English. I'm Doug Johnson. Today, we report on a Hall of Fame for Americans from New Jersey. HOST: What do scientist Albert Einstein, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, actress Meryl Streep and musician Bruce Springsteen have in common? Faith Lapidus has the answer. FAITH LAPIDUS: They are among the fifteen people who were chosen as the first members of the New Jersey Hall of Fame. These people were either born or lived in the eastern state of New Jersey. They were recognized for their influence on the state, the nation or the world. Albert Einstein is considered the most important scientist of the twentieth century because of his theories about physics and mathematics. Born in Germany, he made New Jersey his home. Buzz Aldrin was the second human to walk on the moon. Meryl Streep has received more Academy Award nominations than any actor. New Jersey is one of several American states that have established a Hall of Fame to honor its citizens, both living and dead. Thomas Edison was another famous citizen of New Jersey. He invented many of the devices we use every day, including the electric light bulb. Harriet Tubman helped free many African American slaves through a system known as the Underground Railroad. She used Cape May, New Jersey as her base. General Norman Schwarzkopf was also chosen for the state's Hall of Fame. He was one of America's top military leaders. Yogi Berra was one of the best baseball players in history. He played for the New York Yankees and still lives in New Jersey. We do not have time to tell you about all of the New Jersey Hall of Famers. But two of America's most popular singers were from that state. Frank Sinatra became famous in the nineteen forties. He was a major influence in American popular music for many years. Bruce Springsteen is a hero to many Americans. He expresses his love for New Jersey and America in his songs. One of his most famous songs is "Born In the U.S.A." HOST: I'm Doug Johnson. I hope you enjoyed our program today. It was written by Elizabeth Stern, Caty Weaver and Dana Demange, who was also the producer. To read the text of this program and download audio, go to our Web site, voaspecialenglish.com. Join us again next week for AMERICAN MOSAIC, VOA's radio magazine in Special English. Source: Voice of America