AHEPA Applauds U.S. House of Representatives

Rep. Sarbanes Resolution Passes 407-0, Extends Condolences to Greece
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the leading association for the nation's 1.3 million American citizens of Greek ancestry, and Philhellenes, commends the House of Representatives on its unanimous passage of H.Res.629, extending the condolences and sympathy of the House of Representatives to the Government and the people of Greece for the grave loss of life and vast destruction caused by the devastating fires raging through Greece since June 2007. The resolution was sponsored by Rep. John Sarbanes (D-3-MD) and it had 15 co-sponsors.

"We thank the leaders of the Hellenic Caucus and the leaders of the Committee on Foreign Affairs for fast-tracking this important resolution," said National President Ike Gulas. "The resolution allows for the body of the House of Representatives to express their condolences to the people and Government of Greece."

Moreover, on behalf of AHEPA President Ike Gulas, Executive Director Basil Mossaidis and Director of Communications Michael Zachariades visited with Representative Sarbanes, this afternoon, to personally thank him and Congress for its efforts to assist the people of Greece.

"This is a hard time for the people of Greece and we want them to know that AHEPA is working hard to raise funds and send the needed supplies directly to the devastated areas," said Mossaidis. "The meeting today enabled us to not only thank Congressman Sarbanes, but to also update him on AHEPA's progress, and to brainstorm about next steps."

Mossaidis added that the leaders of the Committee of Foreign Affairs, Chairman Tom Lantos (D-12-CA) and Ranking Member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-18-FL), were also to be commended.

AHEPA is the largest Greek-American association in the world with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, Cyprus, and sister chapters in Australia and New Zealand. It was established in 1922 by visionary Greek Americans to protect Hellenes from prejudice originating from the KKK, and in its history, AHEPA joined with the NAACP and B'nai B'rith to fight discrimination.

The mission of the AHEPA family is to promote the ideals of Hellenism, education, philanthropy, civic responsibility and family and individual excellence.

The AHEPA family consists of four organizations: AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena.

For more information about the AHEPA family, or how to join, please contact AHEPA Headquarters, 202.232.6300, or visit http://www.ahepa.org.

(Posting date 25 September 2007)

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