AHEPA Mourns Passing of President Ford
Washington, D.C. - Gus J. James, II, international president of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading association for the nation’s 1.2 million American citizens of Hellenic heritage, issued the following statement about the passing of the 38th President of the United States, Gerald Ford, on Tuesday, December 26, 2006: “We mourn the passing of former President Gerald R. Ford. He served our nation with dignity and integrity at a crucial time in our history. “We’re proud and honored that President Ford was a member of our organization. He demonstrated significant outreach to the Greek-American community and truly fulfilled the ideals and principles of what it means to be an Ahepan.” Photo Caption: Then-Minority Leader Gerald Ford addressing the 1970 AHEPA Congressional Banquet. Also seated, immediately to Ford’s right is Past AHEPA President Louis G. Manesiotis, followed by the man he would replace as Vice President, Spiro Agnew and Mrs. Betty Ford.
(Posting date 20 January 2007) The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) is the largest and oldest American-based, Greek heritage grassroots membership organization. Its scope is international with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, and Cyprus, and "sister" chapters in Australia and New Zealand under the auspices of AHEPA Australasia. AHEPA was founded on July 26, 1922 in response to the evils of bigotry and racism that emerged in early 20th century American society. It also helped Greek immigrants assimilate into society. Today, AHEPA promotes the ideals of ancient Greece, which includes philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism. The AHEPA family consists of four organizations: AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena. For more information about the organization or how to join, contact AHEPA Headquarters (202-232-6300) or visit the organization's newly redesigned website at http://www.ahepa.org. HCS maintains an extensive archives of AHEPA articles and press releases which readers are invited to browse under the AHEPA Family Releases section of the site archives at http://www.helleniccomserve.com/archiveahepa.html.
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