[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 60 (Monday, April 16, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H3387-H3389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 85TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE AMERICAN 
              HELLENIC EDUCATIONAL PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION

  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 71) commemorating the 85th 
Anniversary of the founding of the American Hellenic Educational 
Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading association for the Nation's 
1.3 million American citizens of Greek ancestry, and Philhellenes.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 71

       Whereas the American Hellenic Educational Progressive 
     Association (AHEPA) was founded July 26, 1922, in Atlanta, 
     Georgia, by eight visionary Greek immigrants to help unify, 
     organize, and protect against the bigotry, discrimination, 
     and defamation faced by people of all ethnic, race, and 
     religious backgrounds perpetrated predominantly by the Ku 
     Klux Klan;
       Whereas the mission of AHEPA is to promote the ideals of 
     ancient Greece, which include philanthropy, education, civic 
     responsibility, and family and individual excellence through 
     community service and volunteerism;
       Whereas since its inception, AHEPA has instilled in its 
     members an understanding of their Hellenic heritage and an 
     awareness of the contributions made to the development of 
     democratic principles and governance in the United States and 
     throughout the world;
       Whereas AHEPA has done much throughout its history to 
     foster American patriotism;
       Whereas members of AHEPA served in the Armed Forces of the 
     United States to protect American freedom and to preserve 
     those democratic ideals that are part of the Hellenic legacy, 
     and specifically in World War II, were parachuted behind 
     enemy lines in Nazi-occupied Greece to help liberate it;
       Whereas AHEPA raised more than $253 million for United 
     States War Bonds during World War II, for which AHEPA was 
     named an official Issuing Agent for United States War Bonds 
     by the Department of Treasury, an honor that no other civic 
     organization was able to achieve at the time;
       Whereas the members of AHEPA donated $612,000 toward the 
     restoration of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, New 
     York, for which AHEPA received special recognition by the 
     Department of the Interior;
       Whereas the AHEPA National Housing Program was awarded $500 
     million by the Department of Housing and Urban Development 
     for its Section 202 Program that has yielded 4,370 units in 
     80 properties across 21 states and 49 cities which has 
     provided dignified, affordable housing to senior citizens;
       Whereas AHEPA was recognized by the Department of State as 
     an organization that has engaged in ``Track Two Diplomacy'' 
     to foster reconciliation and rapprochement in the Eastern 
     Mediterranean, which is in the best interest of the United 
     States;
       Whereas members of AHEPA raised $110,000 for the creation 
     of the George C. Marshall Statue erected on the grounds of 
     the United States Embassy in Athens, Greece in celebration of 
     the historic relationship between the United States and 
     Greece, and in tribute to an outstanding Statesman and 
     Philhellene, General Marshall;
       Whereas AHEPA financially supports scholarships, 
     educational chairs, medical research, and countless other 
     charitable and philanthropic causes by contributing more than 
     $2,000,000 annually from its national, district, and local 
     levels collectively;
       Whereas in the spirit of their Hellenic heritage and in 
     commemoration of the Centennial Olympic Games held in 
     Atlanta, Georgia, members of AHEPA raised $775,000 for the 
     ``Tribute'' to Olympism Sculpture, the ``fan-like'' structure 
     of which helped to save lives during the Olympic Bombing at 
     Centennial Olympic Park;
       Whereas members of AHEPA have been Presidents and Vice 
     Presidents of the United States, United States Senators and 
     Representatives, and United States Ambassadors, and have 
     served honorably as elected officials at the local and State 
     levels throughout the United States; and
       Whereas President George H.W. Bush cited AHEPA as one of 
     America's ``thousand points of light'': Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring),  That the Congress--
       (1) recognizes the significant contributions of American 
     citizens of Hellenic heritage to the United States,
       (2) commemorates the 85th Anniversary of the founding of 
     the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association 
     (AHEPA), applauds its mission, and commends the many 
     charitable contributions of its members to communities around 
     the world, and
       (3) requests the President of the United States to issue a 
     proclamation acknowledging the 85th Anniversary of AHEPA and 
     its many accomplishments.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Watson) and the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. 
Foxx) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.


                             General Leave

  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 71, to commemorate the 
85th anniversary of the founding of the American Hellenic Educational 
Progressive Association, a leading association for 1.3 million American 
citizens of Greek ancestry, and Philhellenes. I am proud to be an 
original cosponsor of this resolution, and I thank Mrs. Maloney for her 
leadership as the author of the resolution and as one of the Chairs of 
the Congressional Hellenic Caucus.
  The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, known as 
AHEPA, was born out of the cruelty and subjugation imposed upon many 
minorities by hate groups during the early 20th century. The 
organization was founded in Atlanta in 1922 to respond to growing 
attacks on Greek Americans and Greek American businesses by the Ku Klux 
Klan. It has since grown to become the largest and oldest American-
based, Greek-heritage grass-roots membership organization.

[[Page H3388]]

  AHEPA's initial interests were to cultivate Greek-owned businesses 
and help its members assimilate into American culture. Today, AHEPA's 
mission is to carry the legacy of Greek culture throughout generations. 
The organization continues to do this through diversification, language 
immersion and educational enrichment. AHEPA is known for its 
philanthropic resources which fund equal opportunity housing, 
hospitals, specialty schools and academic scholarships.
  While AHEPA primarily is a membership organization for Greek 
Americans or Americans of Greek descent, membership is open to all 
Americans who support the organization's mission. This is the finest 
tradition of Philhellenism, and reminds us that the modern relationship 
between the people of America and of Greece was forged by their 
parallel struggles for freedom from foreign tyranny, and by the 
inspiration we both take from the democracy first developed centuries 
ago in Greece.
  For 85 years the American Hellenic Educational Progressive 
Association has remained an organization that embodies the true meaning 
of America. I commend AHEPA, and ask that my colleagues support this 
commendation. I urge all my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 71.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve my time.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.
  The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, AHEPA, is 
the largest and oldest American-based, Greek-heritage, grass-roots 
membership organization. It was created on July 26, 1922, in response 
to the alarming number of local and national groups whose missions were 
based on racism.
  The founders of AHEPA were Greek immigrants who strove to find ways 
to adapt to their new country and honor their heritage and cultural 
ideals. Their mission is to promote Hellenism, education, philanthropy, 
civic responsibility and family and individual excellence. These 
efforts are made through community service and volunteerism. It is an 
organization with over 1.3 million participants, making it the largest 
association for American citizens of Greek ancestry.
  AHEPA's commitment to education is one of its strongest components. 
Over $4 million is endowed at the local, district and national levels 
toward the use of scholarships, and a half million dollars is awarded 
annually to thousands of students. By providing these scholarships, it 
affords students the opportunities to educate and be educated on the 
rich, cultural history of relations between Greece and the United 
States.
  Other AHEPA achievements include securing funding for the ``Tribute 
to Olympism'' sculpture in Atlanta, Georgia, the creation of the George 
C. Marshall statue at the United States Embassy located in Athens, 
Greece, and the Federal grant of $500 million providing affordable 
housing to senior citizens. A few of AHEPA's philanthropic successes 
include the restoration of the Statue of Liberty at Ellis Island, and 
they continue to send care packages to our troops through the USO.
  In their 85th year, the American Hellenic Education Progressive 
Association continues to promote its ideals of ancient Greece through 
community service and volunteerism. The association has grown 
tremendously over the years, and it is to be congratulated for its 
charitable contributions to society both in the U.S. and throughout the 
world.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to my 
distinguished colleague from the State of Florida, Mr. Bilirakis.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great Greek American pride 
that I rise today to offer my congratulations on the occasion of the 
85th anniversary of the American Hellenic Education Progressive 
Association. Founded in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 26, 1922, as a 
reaction to racism and bigotry, AHEPA is the oldest and largest 
American Hellenic organization in the United States today. Its mission, 
to promote Hellenism, education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, 
family and individual excellence, set the standard for ethnic 
organizations, and has helped Greek Americans become one of the most 
successful ethnic groups in the United States.
  AHEPA's list of accomplishments is amazing. It has endowed millions 
of dollars in academic scholarships, and the AHEPA family has 
contributed over $1 billion in national projects for such deserving 
entities as Saint Basil's Academy, Cooley's Anemia Foundation, the 
Special Olympics, and Muscular Dystrophy research.
  Additionally, the AHEPA National Housing Corporation has secured over 
$4 million to develop and complete over 70 housing projects for low-
income seniors.
  AHEPA's patriotic endeavors have included helping thousands of Greek 
immigrants assimilate into American life, and four of those immigrants 
were my grandparents, Mr. Speaker, raising $253 million for the U.S. 
bond drive during World War II, helping to restore the Statue of 
Liberty, providing tens of thousands of dollars to the 9/11 relief 
effort, and sending countless care packages to our troops overseas.
  Its good works are endless, Mr. Speaker. That is why I am so proud to 
tell you that I am a member of AHEPA. And I will tell you that I am a 
member on the local level of the Tarpon Springs Chapter in Florida, the 
George Washington Chapter, Number 16, which was founded in the 1920s.
  As cochair of the Caucus on Hellenic Affairs, I will continue to work 
closely with my cochair, Carolyn Maloney, my fellow Greek American 
Congressmen and women, Philhellenes in Congress, as well as AHEPA 
president, Gus James, to encourage the wonderful educational and 
philanthropic endeavors that have characterized AHEPA for 85 years.
  Also, I promise to work in conjunction with AHEPA to continue to 
strengthen U.S./Greece relations, secure religious freedom and 
protection for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and that is our number one 
issue, Mr. Speaker, and promote solutions to the Cypress and the FYROM 
issues.
  I wish Mr. Gus James and the whole AHEPA family continued success and 
a long life as it continues to serve as a beacon of hope, true and good 
things. That is what Hellenic Americans want. Bravo AHEPA, and at least 
85 more.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today we rise to celebrate the 85th 
anniversary of the founding of an organization truly worthy of the 
praise of this body and of our Nation.
  The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, AHEPA, was 
founded to embrace ideals which are prized by the United States and 
Greece both individually and jointly. The Greek American community 
seeks to embody the principles of AHEPA's mission, most notably: 
freedom from bigotry and discrimination, philanthropy, education, civic 
responsibility, and family and individual excellence through community 
service.
  Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate that the Greek-American community is 
represented by an organization of the caliber and effectiveness of 
AHEPA.
  AHEPA has done much over the years to strengthen and support our 
Nation domestically and to further our interests internationally--from 
providing dignified affordable senior housing at home, to encouraging a 
more stable Eastern Mediterranean and a stronger EU.
  I encourage my colleagues to join me in strong support of this 
resolution commemorating the 85th anniversary of the founding of AHEPA 
and recognizing the significant contributions of Greek-Americans to the 
United States.
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are able 
to bring before the House today H. Con. Res. 71, commemorating the 85th 
anniversary of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive 
Association, AHEPA.
  I am a proud original cosponsor of this resolution that honors an 
organization that spreads the universal truths of Hellenism--humanity, 
freedom, and democracy--across the United States and around the world.
  AHEPA was founded to stand against the forces of bigotry and hate and 
to help Greek immigrants to become part of our Nation. The organization 
also helps young people achieve their dreams of education and 
supporting philanthropy and public service that helps the neediest in 
our society.
  As a Member of Congress, I am proud to participate in the 
Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Affairs. In this capacity, I work with 
fellow Members to enhance and strengthen the United States' 
relationship with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus. The friendship

[[Page H3389]]

between our nations has a long and rich history, and by continuing to 
further this important bond, we can stand together to advance the 
causes of liberty and democracy.
  At this 85th anniversary we can reflect on AHEPA's past successes and 
upon the many ways in which Greek-Americans have enriched the fabric of 
our country. It is also a time to look forward with hope and 
anticipation to a future of continuing to build the vision that is 
AHEPA.
  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 
71, which pays tribute to the American Hellenic Educational Progressive 
Association, AHEPA, on the occasion of its 85th anniversary. I commend 
my colleague, the chair of the Hellenic Caucus for her leadership on 
this and other issues of importance to Hellenism.
  AHEPA was formed in July of 1922 as part of an effort to combat the 
bigotry of the Ku Klux Klan and others who were espousing anti-
immigrant sentiments toward immigrants, including those of Greek 
descent. It soon joined forces with the likes of the NAACP and B'nai 
B'rith to engage in the fight against discrimination and for a just and 
equal society.
  Early on, AHEPA also sought to help newly arrived Greeks become 
United States citizens and to share in the civic life of our country by 
forming schools that taught English and the principles of American 
government. At the same time, AHEPA sought to educate all Americans 
about the significant heritage and contributions immigrants of Greek 
descent add to the American community.
  As an organization, it fast grew to make enormous contributions to 
our society. To cite one early example, AHEPA raised more than $253 
million in the U.S. War Bond drive during World War II, which earned it 
distinctive recognition from the U.S. Department of Treasury.
  Today the AHEPA mission has evolved, but it still seeks to bring the 
ideals of ancient Greece--including philanthropy, education, civic 
responsibility, and family and individual excellence--to the modern day 
community. AHEPA's Educational Foundation now has an endowment of over 
$4 million which annually provides for more than a half a million 
dollars in scholarships at the local, district and national levels. 
Thousands of young men and women have benefited from AHEPA 
scholarships. From its Centennial Foundation and its Cooley's Anemia 
Foundation to its National Housing Corporation, the contributions AHEPA 
now makes, both here in the United States and around the globe are too 
vast to mention individually.
  But Mr. Speaker, I take personal pride in each of these contributions 
and accomplishments because I myself am a member of AHEPA. So on this 
important occasion, I am especially honored to commend President Gus 
James and the rest of the AHEPA leadership not only for continuing 
AHEPA's phenomenal tradition of service and philanthropy, but also for 
their very thoughtful innovations which have helped AHEPA make distinct 
strides in the evolution of its mission for today.
  I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.
  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 71 
which commemorates the 85th anniversary of the founding of the American 
Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, AHEPA. I am pleased to be 
a cosponsor of this resolution to pay tribute to AHEPA, which is a 
leading association for the 1.3 million American citizens of Greek 
ancestry.
  AHEPA was founded on June 26, 1922. Since that day, AHEPA remained 
true to its mission to promote Hellenism, education, philanthropy, 
civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence.
  AHEPA, has helped its members gain a richer understanding of Hellenic 
heritage and awareness of its contributions to democratic principles in 
the United States and across the globe.
  AHEPA members have served in our Nation's Armed Forces, helped raise 
funds for United States War Bonds during World War II, helped in the 
restoration of the Statue of Liberty, and performed many other acts to 
help foster American patriotism.
  As a member of the Hellenic Caucus, I rise to honor the AHEPA and all 
American citizens of Greek ancestry for their ongoing contributions to 
our country.
  When establishing our democratic Nation, our founding fathers drew a 
great deal from the ancient Greeks. Our democratic system, that is 
founded on the principals of popular representation, was introduced by 
the ancient Athenians who were the first to create a civilization based 
on the rule of the people. Our founding fathers continued the Greek 
tradition of debating how best to govern and pursued a government that 
would provide liberty and justice for all. Our dual experiments in 
democratic government will forever link the United States and Greece.
  Not only can we trace the origins of our democratic government to 
Greece, but also the foundation of science. As some of the first 
philosophers, the Greeks explored the fields of mathematics, logic, 
astronomy, physics and biology. The Greeks focused on thinking and 
understanding, rather than the practical use of their findings in 
science. Through Aristotle's concepts we built the foundations for the 
modern scientific method. Our basic understanding of the Earth and its 
place in the solar system came from the studies of Ancient Greeks.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of 
H. Con. Res. 71, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 71.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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