[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 61 (Tuesday, April 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E750]
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

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 16, 2007

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Con. Res. 71, legislation that I introduced, which commemorates 
the 85th Anniversary of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive 
Association.
  As a co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic 
Issues, I have had a close working relationship with AHEPA.
  The Nation's largest and oldest association of American citizens of 
Greek heritage and Philhellenes, AHEPA was founded on July 26, 1922, in 
Atlanta, Georgia, by eight visionary Greek immigrants to combat bigotry 
and discrimination and help Greek immigrants assimilate into American 
society.
  Today, its mission is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of 
education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, and family and 
individual excellence through community service and volunteerism.
  Over its history, AHEPA has achieved remarkable accomplishments. It 
has fostered American patriotism, sheltered the elderly, educated our 
youth, promoted Hellenic heritage, and advanced rapproachment in the 
Eastern Mediterranean.
  Additionally, AHEPA's members exemplify the American Dream. With 
their strong work ethic, Greek-Americans have risen to become leaders 
in their respective professions, from government to business to the 
arts.
  Currently headed by Supreme President Gus James, II, AHEPA has been a 
vehicle through which this advancement has occurred in our society.
  I want to thank Chairman Waxman and Ranking Member Davis for their 
support of this bill and for moving it through the Oversight and 
Government Reform Committee. I also want to acknowledge my fellow 
Caucus Co-Chair, Representative Bilirakis, for joining me in 
introducing this bill.




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