June 15, 2022
Today, US Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) presented a resolution commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA). AHEPA was founded on July 26, 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia, by eight Greek immigrants to help unify, organize and protect individuals of all ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds from terror, hatred and bigotry perpetrated primarily by the Ku Klux. Klan. The senators resolution marks this anniversary, recognizes the many charitable contributions of its members to communities in the United States and around the world, and requests the President to issue a proclamation recognizing the anniversary and the many accomplishments of AHEPA.
“Through its community initiatives and charitable work, AHEPA has helped nurture and advance democratic principles and values here and abroad. » said Senator Van Hollen. “Since its founding, AHEPA members have led organizing efforts to help build more equitable and safer communities, support civil rights and well-being, defend our country’s values, and preserve and promote the important history and heritage of the Hellenic community. I will continue to support AHEPA’s efforts as we work together to create a more perfect union.
“For a century, AHEPA has become an integral part of the American mosaic, serving as a vital vehicle for the progressive development and emergence of Hellenic Americans in all facets of society. » said Jimmy, AHEPA Supreme President Kokotas. “This achievement shows that the promise of the American dream is real. We sincerely appreciate Senators Van Hollen and Rubio for sponsoring a commemorative resolution that appropriately captures our 100 years of travel, honors our immigrant ancestors, and highlights the contributions of Greek-Americans to society.
The full text of resolution is available here and lower:
While the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (referred to in this preamble as “AHEPA”) was founded on July 26, 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia, by 8 visionary Greek immigrants to help unify, organize and protect individuals of all ethnic and racial origins. and religious circles against the terror, hatred and bigotry perpetrated mainly by the Ku Klux Klan;
Whereas the mission of AHEPA is to promote the Hellenic ideals of ancient Greece, which include philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism;
Whereas, since the inception of AHEPA, the organization has instilled in AHEPA members an understanding of their Hellenic heritage and an awareness of the contributions that Hellenic heritage has made to the development of democratic principles and governance in the United States and around the world. ;
Whereas, AHEPA has done much throughout its history to promote patriotism in the United States;
Whereas, AHEPA members have served in the armed forces of the United States to protect the liberty of the people of the United States and preserve the democratic ideals that are part of the Hellenic heritage;
Whereas during World War II, AHEPA members parachuted behind enemy lines into Nazi-occupied Greece to help liberate Greece;
While AHEPA raised over $253,000,000 for United States war bonds during World War II and through this effort AHEPA was named the official issuing agent for states’ war bonds -United by the Department of the Treasury, an honor no other civil society has achieved. the organization had not yet achieved its goal;
Whereas in 1990, AHEPA members donated $612,000 toward the restoration of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, New York, for which AHEPA received special recognition from the Ministry of the Interior;
Whereas, AHEPA’s National Housing Program has sponsored safe and dignified affordable housing for vulnerable seniors through the Section 202 Senior Supportive Housing Program (administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and authorized under section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 (12 USC 1701q)), and the sponsorship has a portfolio of 4,467 units in 87 communities in 19 states;
Whereas AHEPA has engaged in “second-track diplomacy” to foster reconciliation and rapprochement in the Eastern Mediterranean, which is in the best interests of the United States, and has strengthened people-to-people ties between country ;
Whereas, AHEPA financially supports scholarships, natural disaster and humanitarian relief, medical research, and countless other charitable and philanthropic causes by contributing more than $2,200,000 annually nationally, from district and local AHEPA;
As generations of Greek-American and Philhellenic women have worked to strengthen society through service organizations, such as the Girls of Penelope, in order to…
(1) provide affordable housing for seniors;
(2) sponsor and support domestic violence shelters;
(3) provide scholarships;
(4) raise awareness and provide financial support for medical research and charitable causes; And
(5) assist those in need of humanitarian or natural disaster relief assistance;
Whereas, in the spirit of their Hellenic heritage and in commemoration of the Centennial Olympic Games held in Atlanta, Georgia, AHEPA members raised $775,000 for the Tribute to Olympism and Hellenism sculpture , whose fan-shaped structure helped save lives during the 1996 Olympic bombing of Centennial Olympic Park;
Whereas, AHEPA members raised $110,000 for the creation of the George C. Marshall statue erected on the grounds of the United States Embassy in Athens, Greece, to celebrate the historic relationship between the states -United and Greece and in tribute to General Marshall, an exceptional statesman and philhellene;
Whereas, AHEPA members raised $1,000,000 for the reconstruction of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and the National Shrine at the World Trade Center, which was the only place of worship destroyed on September 11, 2001;
Whereas, AHEPA members have served as Presidents and Vice Presidents of the United States, United States Senators and Representatives, and United States Ambassadors, and have served honorably as elected and appointed officials at the local and state levels across the United States; And
While President George HW Bush cited AHEPA as one of the “thousand bright spots” in the United States:
Be it resolved that the Senate…
(1) recognizes the significant contributions to the United States of citizens of Hellenic origin;
(2) commemorates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, applauds its mission, and recognizes the many charitable contributions of its members to communities in the United States and around the world; And
(3) directs the President to issue a proclamation recognizing the 100th anniversary and numerous accomplishments of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.