[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 163 (Friday, October 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1049]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNITION OF THE AMERICAN HELLENIC EDUCATIONAL PROGRESSIVE 
                        ASSOCIATION'S CENTENNIAL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 14, 2022

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to 
congratulate the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association 
(AHEPA) on over 100 years of exceptional service to the communities of 
the United States, and appreciation for their fierce advocacy for the 
ideals of Hellenism.
  The Association was nobly founded in 1922 by eight forward-thinking 
Greek American immigrants to fight bigotry and discrimination. 100 
years later, AHEPA continues to promote: education, philanthropy, civic 
responsibility, love of family and the pursuit of individual 
excellence--all to the great benefit of the United States.
  AHEPA continues to make great efforts to improve the quality of life 
for Americans in need, including through housing programs, 
scholarships, supporting medical research and caring for our nation's 
veterans. The charitable, service-oriented work of their many chapters 
throughout the globe are shining examples of what the Greek American 
community has brought to our nation--with all levels donating nearly 
$2,000,000 annually to countless charitable causes.
  In particular, AHEPA's National Housing Program has been a stable, 
proven sponsor of dignified housing for American's senior citizens. 
Through working with the Department of Housing and Urban Development 
their sponsorship has reached a sizeable portfolio of 4,467 units in 87 
communities across 19 states.
  Throughout its history, AHEPA made significant and historic 
contributions to American society, and counts among their storied 
members: presidents and vice presidents of the United States, members 
of Congress, and ambassadors, among countless other public servants. 
AHEPA can be proud that it was one the leading contributors to raise 
funds for World War II Bonds, raised more than $253,000,000 for our 
nation during World War II, and because of the effort, AHEPA was named 
an official issuing agent for United States war bonds by the Department 
of the Treasury; no other civic organization had yet achieved that 
honor.
  Their historical contributions continued at pace and in 1990, AHEPA 
members donated $612,000 toward the restoration of Ellis Island, New 
York, receiving special recognition by the Department of the Interior. 
Particular attention has been paid by these devoted students of 
Hellenism to honoring the strong ties between Greece and the United 
States. They raised $110,000 for the creation of the George C. Marshall 
Statue on the grounds of the United States Embassy in Athens to 
celebrate the historic relationship between our two nations. In the 
wake of the horrors of 9/11, AHEPA raised over $1,000,000 to rebuild 
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at the World Trade Center site, 
the only house of worship whose structure was destroyed on that 
terrible day. Out of love for Hellenism and their nation, they have 
accomplished these great acts of charity and brotherhood.
  These are just a few of AHEPA's good works that have benefited our 
Nation and our people for over a century. I know they will be 
continuing their good works, and I am certain they will continue to 
enjoy success for the next 100 years.

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