[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24101]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF GREECE'S OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN HOSTING THE 2004 
                            SUMMER OLYMPICS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2004

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Greece for its 
outstanding performance as host of the 2004 Olympic Games. As Co-Chair 
of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues and as the House Member 
privileged to represent Astoria, Queens, one of the largest and most 
vibrant communities of Hellenic Americans anywhere in this country, I 
join with all of my Caucus colleagues and fellow residents of New 
York's 14th Congressional District in saluting the people of Greece. On 
October 29, 2004, the Hellenic community, together with many friends, 
convened in Astoria's Athens Square Park to recognize this outstanding 
accomplishment.
  While it has been nearly three months since the Olympic flame was 
extinguished in Athens, the memory of how wonderful the 2004 Summer 
Games really were remains with us. The Athens Games attracted the 
largest American audience ever for an Olympic competition held outside 
the United States. The impact will be felt worldwide for generations to 
come. To me it was always clear that Greece would be an excellent host 
for the 2004 Olympic Games. Greek hospitality and warmth is renowned 
throughout the world. Thus, it is no surprise to report that the Greek 
people proved the naysayers wrong by hosting an impeccably organized 
and safe Olympic Games, an extraordinary world event in which the 
athletes took center stage.
  For three weeks in August, the people of Greece welcomed the world to 
participate in a competition that allowed countries to set aside their 
political differences for a brief time and to come together in the 
spirit of peace and sportsmanship. Wanting to help make the 2004 
Olympics a great event for visitors many volunteers, including those 
from New York City such as Andreas C George, Katherine George, Vlasis 
Anastasiou, Julia Anastasiou, Helen Skarla, Katerina Papaioannou, 
Joanna Savaides, Irene Aindili Kalliroe Argenas, Yeannis Kaltsas, 
Spilios Gianakopoulos, Elizabeth Bogiatzi, Marika Gianakopoulos, 
Argyris Ignatiades, Stephanos Pavlides, Ieanni Michaelides, Theodora 
Ziongas, George Costacos and Zacharoula Karyammi, gave generously of 
their time and energy. While they were there, the volunteers were able 
to see Greece's beautiful historic and natural treasures, ensuring that 
they would remember forever their experience in Greece.
  On October 29th, the members of Hellenic cultural and civic 
organizations, Greek Orthodox churches, constituents and friends joined 
together to pay tribute to Greece for its extraordinary showing in the 
Olympics. The organizations represented included the Federation of 
Hellenic Societies and its members: Grinion Benevolent Society; 
Daughters of Roumeli Society of New York, Inc., Society of Diplatanos, 
Saint Marina, Inc., Nafpactian Brotherhood of New York, Galaxidi 
Brotherhood Eanthe, Thermopyles Phiotidos, the Laconian Brotherhood 
``Mani'' Inc., Calavrytan Fraternity, Geros Tou Morea, Inc, Society 
Vryseon Anavretis, Pankerkyraikos Association, Kephalos, Society of 
America, Ithacan Society, ``Odesseus'' Ithacan Society, ``Odesseus'' 
Aesculapian Thessalian Brotherhood, Inc., Society of Epirotes, Pyrrhus 
Benevolent Society, Inc., Society of Epirotes Ladies Auxiliary, 
Souliotissaithessalonikian Society Society of Kastorians, Pontion 
Society of Kastoria, Inc., Panthracian Union of America, ``Orpheus'' 
St. John Theologos Society, Pan-icarian Brotherhood, Mytilenian Society 
of America, Pan-lemnian Philanthropic Association ``Hephaestos'' Inc., 
Gnomagoras Nisyrian Society Inc., Zoodohos Pighe of Andros Society, 
Cretans Association, ``Omonoia'' Cretan Women's Association, 
``Pasiphae'' Syllogos Kreton ``Minos'' Pancyprian Association, Inc., 
Greek Cultural Center Inc., Northern Chios Society of ``Pelineon'', 
United Pireotes of America, Aetoloakarnanian Mutual Society, Mutual Aid 
Society, Aigioton Vostitsa Epidavrou Limiras Association, Inc., Pan-
eliakos Society of New York, Kalamata Society, Ltd., Aristotelis 
Society of Halkidikipansamian Brotherhood ``Pythagoras'' of New York, 
``Labrys'' Cretan Youth Organization of New York, Pontian Society 
``Komninoi'', NY Greek American Folklore Society, Inc., Greek American 
Folklore Society, Inc., El Greco Society of Visual Arts, Inc., ``St. 
Demetrios'' Naupaktias Brotherhood of America, Greek American 
Homeowners Ass., Society Agiogalousion Amerikis, Greek-American Labor 
Council, Greek Society Elatousion of ``St. Stefanos'', Syllogos Noumou 
Magnisias ``Argonaytes'', Benevolent Association of Calamatahellenic 
Veterans Society of Greater New York, Inc., Panhellenic Organization 
``Martyrs of Kavo Melanios'' Othoni Society of USA, Inc., Association 
of Logastra, Inc., Hellenic Organization of University Graduates of 
America, Philoptohos Adelfotis Arahoviton Nafpaktias Olympiakos Fan 
Club of NY, USA Greek and American Retirement Club, Pankritiki Enosis 
Athlitismou, Inc., Pan-Grecorian A.E.K. Fan Soccer Club of USA, Inc., 
Greek-American Mothers Association of USA, Omilos Metanaston Karitsis 
Messinian Benevolent Association, Hellenic American Educators 
Association, Gnomogoras Nisyrian Society, Inc., Benevolent Society of 
Athanasios Diakos ``Apostole'', Association Magoulioton of 
Spartasyllogos Patrinon Kostis Palamas and other prominent 
organizations, including PSEKA, Athens Square Park Inc., American 
Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, St. Paul Soc., Pan 
Dodecanese Society of America, Krikos; Eastern Orthodox Lawyers, Pan 
Macedonian Cultural Center; the Modern Greek Studies Center; the 
Hellenic American Medical Society; Euro-American Women's Council and 
the Pan Erikoussa Society of America, as well as our friends in the 
Greek press: National Herald, Hellenic Harmonies, Hellas News, National 
Greek TV, Hellenic Times, Estiator & Greek American Review, Antena, 
Aktina, Eseis Magazine, Maria Papadatos Show; Orthodox Observer, Hellas 
FM, and Mike Zapitis Hour.
  The millions of Americans who watched the Games achieved a better 
understanding of the Greek people, their warmth, generosity and 
graciousness. These Olympics helped solidify the reputation of Greece 
and the Hellenic people for abundant hospitality, or ``filoxenia''. 
Greece has earned our gratitude and sincerest congratulations. 
``Axie!''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise to pay tribute to Greece for 
giving the world a spectacular 2004 Summer Olympics.

                          ____________________