[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 4676]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         AMERICAN HELLENIC EDUCATIONAL PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION

 Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, I would like to offer my sincere 
congratulations to the American Hellenic Educational Progressive 
Association, AHEPA, on their 85th anniversary this year. Since 1922, 
AHEPA has diligently served the Hellenic community and all Americans 
through a variety of programs and outreach endeavors.
  Initially created to combat discrimination and hate, AHEPA's mission 
has expanded during its distinguished history. As the largest and 
oldest American-based, Greek heritage grassroots membership 
organization, AHEPA works to promote the Greek ideals of philanthropy, 
education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence 
within the community. Such principles can be appreciated by people of 
all backgrounds, and I commend AHEPA for inspiring and supporting 
generations of Americans.
  AHEPA's work has touched people from all walks of life. The 
organization raised funds for U.S. war bonds during World War II, and 
currently contributes more than $2,000,000 each year to educational, 
medical, and other philanthropic causes. AHEPA's positive contributions 
stem from both the organization and the outstanding people involved. 
Members of AHEPA have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and have held 
positions in local, State, and Federal Government throughout the years.
  As we honor AHEPA's many successes, we also celebrate the 
contributions of the more than 1 million Greek-Americans in this 
country, some 61,000 of whom live in my home State of New Jersey. The 
Hellenic community in America contributes daily to the economic, 
political and cultural fabric of this Nation, and the United States 
shares a close relationship with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus. I 
look forward to working with my colleagues and AHEPA to strengthen 
America's relationship with our Hellenic friends.
  I commend AHEPA's commitment to serving the United States and the 
Hellenic community. I congratulate them on their 85 years of advocacy, 
and I look forward to their bright future.

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