[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 156 (Saturday, November 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN HONOR OF THE CHIAN FEDERATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 7, 1997

  Mr. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of 
my colleagues, the Chian Federation, a special organization which has 
done so much to promote the values, culture, and ideals common to the 
United States and Greece and to strengthen Greek-American relations.
  The Chian Federation is a cultural and philanthropic nonprofit 
organization that represents 25 societies and over 50,000 individuals 
with origins from the small island of Hios in the Aegean Sea.
  This year, the Chian Federation is honoring several individuals who 
came to the United States through Ellis Island. From 1892 to 1954, 
245,000 Greek immigrants passed through the complex of buildings on 
Ellis Island.
  Today, many Hellenes trace their roots back to their brave parents, 
grandparents, and great-grandparents who came to the United States to 
find relief from rural poverty. These immigrants, many who were 
illiterate, gave the United States the future generations of college-
educated, professionally successful Hellenic-Americans of today.
  On November 23, 1997, the Chian Federation, under the direction of 
President George Almiroudis and Chairman Alex Doulis, will be honoring 
seven individuals who came through Ellis Island.
  Those honorees include: Andreas Papadopulos, Christos Dakides, 
Pantelis John Marangos, Steve P. Mekedis, Michael N. Konotos, Sophia 
Kalogeras and Nicholas Christopher.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues rise with me in this tribute to 
the Chian Federation and their honorees. These honorees, together with 
their families, represent the true blending of the best of the Hellenic 
and American cultures. I salute the Chian Federation for recognizing 
their contributions to our country.

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