New York ? Everyone knows he was born in the USA, but it was Bruce Springsteen’s European immigrant roots — and his family’s 110-year American dream — that were celebrated Thursday.

Accompanied by his proud mother and aunts — the women who “provided me with place” and “filled my family and all of my work with great meaning” — the rocker from New Jersey received an Ellis Island Family Heritage Award.

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.