[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 13, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H11181-H11183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      COMMEMORATING 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 209) commemorating the 80th anniversary of the 
Daughters of Penelope, a preeminent international women's association 
and affiliate organization of the American Hellenic Educational 
Progressive Association (AHEPA), as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 209

       Whereas generations of Greek-Americans have worked 
     alongside their fellow Americans to build a more perfect 
     Union, and the United States is a stronger country because of 
     them;
       Whereas Greek-Americans have served ably in their 
     communities in numerous capacities, such as government, 
     including five-term Maryland Senator Paul S. Sarbanes, and in 
     the Armed Services in every war in which the United States 
     fought since World War I, including patriots such as George 
     Dilboy, a World War I Medal of Honor recipient;
       Whereas the Daughters of Penelope is a leading 
     international organization of women of Hellenic descent and 
     Philhellenes, founded November 16, 1929, in San Francisco, 
     California, to improve the status and well-being of women and 
     their families and to provide women the opportunity to make 
     significant contributions to their community and country;
       Whereas the mission of the Daughters of Penelope is to 
     promote the ideals of ancient Greece (namely, philanthropy, 
     education, civic responsibility, good citizenship, and family 
     and individual excellence) through community service and 
     volunteerism;
       Whereas the chapters of the Daughters of Penelope sponsor 
     affordable and dignified housing to the Nation's senior 
     citizen population by participating in the Department of 
     Housing and Urban Development's section 202 housing program;
       Whereas Penelope House, a domestic violence shelter for 
     women and their children sponsored by the Daughters of 
     Penelope, is the first of its kind in the State of Alabama 
     and is recognized as a model shelter for others to emulate 
     throughout the United States;
       Whereas the Daughters of Penelope Foundation, Inc., 
     supports the educational objectives of the Daughters of 
     Penelope by providing tens of thousands of dollars annually 
     for scholarships, sponsoring educational seminars, and 
     donating children's books to libraries, schools, shelters, 
     and churches through the ``Open Books'' program;
       Whereas the Daughters of Penelope is the first ethnic 
     organization to submit oral history tapes to the Library of 
     Congress, the tapes that provide an oral history of first 
     generation Greek-American women in the United States;
       Whereas the Daughters of Penelope promotes awareness and 
     research on medical diseases, such as cancer, thalassemia 
     (Cooley's anemia), lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), 
     Alzheimer's disease, muscular dystrophy, and others;
       Whereas the Daughters of Penelope provides financial 
     support for many medical research and charitable 
     organizations, such as the University of Miami Sylvester 
     Comprehensive Cancer Center (formerly the Papanicolaou Cancer 
     Center), the Alzheimer's Foundation, the American Heart 
     Association, the Special Olympics, the Barbara Bush 
     Foundation for Literacy, the Children's Wish Foundation, 
     UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity, St. Basil Academy, and others;
       Whereas Greek-American directors and performers, such as 
     Elia Kazan, Olympia Dukakis, and Maria Callas, enriched the 
     arts, and medical researcher, Dr. George Papanicolaou, also 
     known as the ``The Father of Cytology'', saved millions of 
     lives by inventing the Pap Test;
       Whereas countless Greek-Americans have risen to become 
     leaders of commerce and industry, thus fulfilling the 
     ``American Dream'';
       Whereas the Daughters of Penelope provides support and 
     financial assistance to victims and communities affected by 
     natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and 
     forest fires;
       Whereas the Daughters of Penelope, founded November 16, 
     1929, celebrates its 80th anniversary as a preeminent 
     international women's association and affiliate organization 
     of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association 
     (AHEPA); and
       Whereas Americans can trace the concept and ideals of 
     democracy to the ancient Greeks: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes the 
     significant contributions of American citizens of Greek 
     ancestry and Philhellenes, and the Daughters of Penelope to 
     the United States.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch) and the

[[Page H11182]]

gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Guthrie) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Massachusetts.


                             General Leave

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Massachusetts?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LYNCH. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government 
Reform, I am pleased to present House Resolution 209 for consideration. 
This resolution recognizes the significant contribution of American 
citizens of Greek ancestry and the Daughters of Penelope.
  At the outset, I would like to take a moment to express my deepest 
condolences to the sponsor of this resolution, my friend and colleague, 
Mrs. Maloney of New York, on the recent loss of her beloved husband, 
Clifton. Please know that our thoughts and our prayers are with the 
Congresswoman and her entire family.
  Mr. Speaker, the measure before us was introduced on March 4 by Mrs. 
Maloney and favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee on July 
10, 2009, by unanimous consent. Notably, this measure enjoys the 
support of over 50 Members of Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, let us take a moment to recognize the significant 
contributions Greek Americans have made to the United States. Greek 
Americans such as Senator Paul Sarbanes and Congressman John Sarbanes 
of Maryland have served their communities, and Greek Americans have 
served in our Armed Forces in every war since World War I. Greek 
Americans have enhanced the art world with works by directors such as 
Elia Kazan and performers such as Olympia Dukakis.
  Further, the resolution makes mention of the Daughters of Penelope. 
Founded in 1929, the Daughters of Penelope was formed by Alexandra 
Apostolides Sonenfeld with the help and support of her husband, Dr. 
Emmanuel Apostolides.
  With local chapters in the United States, Canada and Greece, the 
Daughters of Penelope is a nonpartisan and nondenominational 
organization that promotes Hellenic heritage and its ideals. Notably, 
the organization's dedicated members are encouraged to participate in 
meaningful community service projects, making the Daughters of Penelope 
a leader in charitable and educational activities.
  In its 80 years, the Daughters of Penelope has made great gains in 
helping women all over the world realize their dreams and leadership 
potential. Moreover, the Daughters of Penelope has made significant 
contributions here at home through the organization's commitment to 
philanthropy and volunteerism, by supporting various charities, 
sponsoring affordable housing for senior citizens, and by helping 
spread awareness and providing financial support for medical research. 
The Daughters of Penelope also sponsors the Penelope Shelter Home for 
Battered Women, which helps women of all races and faiths during times 
of need.
  Mr. Speaker, let's take a moment to recognize the considerable 
contributions of Greek Americans to the United States and celebrate the 
achievements of the Daughters of Penelope through the passage of House 
Resolution 209.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may 
consume.
  I rise today to support House Resolution 209 recognizing the 
significant contributions of American citizens of Greek ancestry, 
philhellenes, and the Daughters of Penelope to the United States.
  What began with roughly 300,000 Greek immigrants after World War I 
has grown to more than 3 million Greek Americans today. Throughout our 
Nation's history, the Greeks who came to America saw the promise and 
hope for their future. Once there, they have been instrumental in 
building a Nation from the ground up.
  Greek Americans have risen to become leaders in business, government 
service, medicine and the arts. The State of Maryland was proud to have 
Paul S. Sarbanes, a Greek American, serve five terms in the United 
States Senate. Dr. George Papanicolaou saved millions of lives by 
inventing the Pap test for women, and performers such as Olympia 
Dukakis and Elia Kazan are but a few examples of how Greek Americans 
continue to fulfill the American Dream. And we as a country are all 
better for their many contributions.
  Greek Americans have a long history of contributions through 
community service to the United States. In the early 1900s, they formed 
a number of organizations that were dedicated to the well-being of 
families in the communities where Greek Americans lived.
  Among the groups that Greek Americans formed was the Daughters of 
Penelope, which was founded in 1929 in San Francisco and is an 
affiliate organization of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive 
Association. Today, the Daughters of Penelope has grown to more than 
350 chapters throughout the world. The mission of the Daughters of 
Penelope is to create awareness of the ideals of ancient Greece such as 
education, civic responsibility, philanthropy and patriotism through 
community service.
  Greek Americans, along with all Americans, can be proud of the 
Daughters of Penelope's commitment to education. They have provided 
tens of thousands of dollars annually for scholarships, education 
seminars, and donating children's books to libraries, schools, 
shelters, and churches through the ``Open Books'' program.
  Other Daughters of Penelope achievements include being the first 
ethnic organization to submit oral history tapes to the Library of 
Congress, which provide personal experiences of first-generation Greek 
Americans.
  Now in its 80th year, the Daughters of Penelope continues to promote 
its ideals and promote awareness through a number of causes, including 
cancer research, Alzheimer's disease, muscular dystrophy and others.

                              {time}  1445

  They also provide financial support for medical research to victims 
and communities affected by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, 
earthquakes and forest fires.
  I ask my fellow Members of Congress to join me in recognizing the 
80th anniversary of the Daughters of Penelope and the contribution of 
Greek Americans to the history of the United States and the way in 
which their presence enriches and strengthens our country.
  I support House Resolution 209 and reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the kind words of the gentleman 
from Kentucky, and we continue to reserve.
  Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in 
supporting this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LYNCH. Again, Mr. Speaker, I ask that Members on both sides 
support Mrs. Maloney, the lead sponsor of this resolution, H. Res. 209, 
honoring Greek Americans and their contribution to the United States.
  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
209, bipartisan legislation I introduced, with Hellenic Caucus cochair, 
Congressman Gus Bilirakis.
  This resolution recognizes the significant contributions of American 
citizens of Greek ancestry and Philhellenes, and the Daughters of 
Penelope to the United States.
  Founded November 16, 1929, in San Francisco, California, the 
Daughters of Penelope was established to improve the well-being of 
women and provide them with the opportunity to make significant 
contributions to American society.
  Today, its mission is to promote the ideals of ancient Greece, 
education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family, and individual 
excellence through community service and volunteerism.
  As a cofounder and cochair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic 
Issues, I have had the privilege to see the significant contributions 
of the Daughters of Penelope in the Greek American community.
  The Daughters of Penelope (DOP) is a preeminent international women's 
organization and affiliate organization of the American Hellenic 
Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the nation's leading 
association of American citizens of Greek heritage.
  Over its history, the Daughters of Penelope has achieved remarkable 
accomplishments. It has strengthened the status of women in society, 
sheltered the elderly and the abused, educated our youth, promoted 
Hellenic heritage, and raised funds for medical research.

[[Page H11183]]

  With their strong work ethic, Greek-Americans have risen to become 
leaders in their respective professions, from government to business to 
the arts. The Daughters of Penelope has been a vehicle through which 
this advancement has occurred in our society.
  I want to thank Chairman Towns and Ranking Member Issa for their 
support of this bill and for moving it through the Oversight and 
Government Reform Committee.
  I urge my colleagues to support it.
  Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the resolution considered 
by the House today, H. Res. 209. This bill recognizes the numerous and 
wide-ranging contributions made to American society by the Daughters of 
Penelope, the women's affiliate of the American Hellenic Educational 
Progressive Association.
  The Order of the Daughters of Penelope was conceived by Alexandra 
Apostolides Sonnenfeld and founded on November 16, 1929. In the midst 
of the economic collapse that led to the Great Depression, Mrs. 
Apostolides recognized the importance of unity, philanthropy, and 
education. She and 25 charter members formed the first chapter of the 
Daughters of Penelope, which is today a leader in philanthropic, 
educational and cultural activities with over 350 chapters in the U.S., 
Canada, Greece, Cyprus, and Australia.
  H. Res. 209 highlights some of the organization's crowning 
achievements, including the establishment of Penelope House, a shelter 
for women and children that aims to help victims of domestic violence 
regain social and economic independence, and the Daughters of Penelope 
Foundation, which grants scholarships to promising students and 
facilitates donations of children's books to needy organizations.
  Another issue of critical importance is the oral history project 
organized and donated to the Library of Congress by the Daughters of 
Penelope. This project chronicles the experiences of first-generation 
Greek-American women. I know this project will preserve these vital 
records so that future generations of Greek-Americans--like my 
children--will maintain an important link with their ancestors.
  I am proud of my Greek heritage and of the accomplishments of the 
Order of the Daughters of Penelope. I think it only fitting that now, 
as we face our own economic crisis, we recognize the importance of 
those values that carry us through the most difficult times. I 
encourage my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 209, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________