[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 29 (Thursday, March 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E351]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                ACKNOWLEDGING AHEPA'S SALUTE TO AMERICA

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                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 14, 2002

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the American 
Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the largest and 
oldest association of Americans of Greek heritage and Philhellenes. 
This entity plans to honor and memorialize members of the community who 
perished in the tragic events of September 11, 2001. It will also 
salute those who have carried out courageous acts or performed 
tremendous philanthropic and humanitarian deeds during one of the most 
trying moments of our country's history.
  The attack on America was an assault upon the values of democracy 
which have enabled our nation to persevere with strength and resolve 
for well over two hundred years. These values, given to Western 
Civilization by the ancient Greeks, comprise our freedoms, our liberty, 
and our commitment to uphold justice. Together these ideals, combined 
with the American tradition of tolerance for people of different faiths 
and ethnic backgrounds, will help us to overcome our current challenges 
and be victorious in our common fight against terrorism.
  On March 25, 2002, in the spirit of that tradition, the descendants 
of ancient Greece, who as immigrants came to America because of the 
very democratic ideals fostered by their ancestors, will come together 
to ``Honor America.'' This event will be hosted by the American 
Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, an organization founded 
by visionary Greek immigrants eighty years ago. They will pay their 
respects to family, friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens, who lost 
their lives to terror and will express their humble gratitude to those 
who placed their lives in harm's way to save the lives of others.
  President George W. Bush, in an address on November 8, 2001, said our 
nation was born in a spirit of courage and optimism ``as immigrants 
yearning for freedom courageously risked their lives in search of 
greater opportunity.'' The decedents of Greek immigrants offer thanks 
and pay homage to America, warmly embracing this spirit of optimism and 
courage that President Bush said ``must guide those of us fortunate 
enough to live here.''
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the efforts of the 
American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association to honor, 
memorialize, and salute members of the community affected by the sad 
events of September 11, 2001, during the organization's 35th Biennial 
Congressional Banquet, held March 25, 2002, in Washington, DC.

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