[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 20, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S2178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO CHRISTOS NICKOLAS KALIVAS

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay 
tribute to Christos Nickolas Kalivas, the first Greek American from 
Manchester, NH to be killed in action during World War I. He is being 
honored at the re-dedication ceremony of Kalivas Park in Manchester on 
March 23, 2002. The city has completed extensive renovations and 
upgrading of the park in anticipation of the event.
  Christos was born on September 24, 1885 in the village of Vithos in 
Kozanis, Macedonia, Greece. In 1908, he left his wife, Vasilike, and 
daughter, Gilkeria, to immigrate to the United States in search of a 
better life. He hoped to eventually raise enough money to bring his 
family to the U.S. as well. Unfortunately, the difficult economic 
conditions of World War I made this goal impossible and he was forced 
to live with relatives in Manchester and work as a laborer for ten 
years.
  In May of 1918, he entered the United States Army. Just two months 
later, on July 6, he went overseas as a member of Company C, 16th 
infantry, 1st division. He was killed in action during the October 1918 
Meuse-Argonne offensive in France, one month before the war ended. 
Tragically, he had never reunited with his family.
  Christos represented the citizens of New Hampshire and the United 
States with courage and bravery. I commend the contribution he made in 
our Nation in a time of despair. It is truly an honor and a privilege 
to represent him in the U.S. Senate.

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