AHEPA Lays Foundation for 2008 Convention

AHEPA Lays Foundation for 2008 Convention

Delegation Heads to Souda Bay, Crete to Visit U.S. Military Personnel

Athens, GREECE — The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the leading association for the nation’s 1.3 million American citizens of Greek ancestry, and Philhellenes, continued laying the groundwork for the 86th Annual AHEPA Convention in 2008. Next year, the AHEPA family will return to Athens, Greece from July 2 – 11.

Greek Justice Minister
Anastasios Papaligouras

“Our visits with U.S. and Greek officials were deemed productive. AHEPA is moving forward with its preparations in anticipation of drawing large numbers of Greek-Americans to Greece,” said Supreme President Gus J. James, II.

Justice Minister Meets AHEPA President

On Wednesday, President James met with Justice Minister Anastasios Papaligouras at the Ministry. Issues concerning AHEPA’s 2008 Convention were discussed, as well as, how AHEPA is working hard to ensure that issues important to Greece, such as the Visa Waiver Program, are addressed.

“AHEPA’s contribution was always decisive in the promotion of Greek interests in the USA,” said Justice Minister Papaligouras to the Athens News Agency. “With the zeal and patriotism which distinguishes it, AHEPA was and is the ambassador of our national rights in their cross-Atlantic homeland, helping in every difficult case for the Greek voice to be heard clearly. The Greek State, mother-Greece, honours and thanks it.”

Moreover, before leaving Greece, AHEPA will visit for the first time, Souda Bay to meet with U.S. servicemen and women.

(Posting date 11 June 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.