WASHINGTON—The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the largest and oldest American-based Greek heritage grassroots membership organization, is proud to announce the establishment of the AHEPA-Paul E. Tsongas Public Service Award, said Supreme President FranklinR. Manios. The award will be unveiled during the 83rd Grand Banquet, July 22, 2005.

“The award is a fitting tribute to the distinguished career of the late Senator Tsongas,” Manios said. “We believe it will serve as an inspiration to those in public service who aspire to follow in his unique approach to politics.”

Tsongas passed away in 1997. The senator’s widow, Nicola, along with family members, will attend.

Tsongas was a former Massachusetts Senator, from 1978 to 1984, and a Democratic presidential candidate in 1992. He served two terms in the House, from 1975 to 1979, before being elected to the Senate. After only one Senate term, he was diagnosed with cancer and chose not to seek re-election to undergo treatment and spend time with his family. Tsongas returned to seek a presidential bid, capturing the New Hampshire primary.

In a message to the AHEPA family, Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) said, Tsongas had a “special vision of America” that was “both idealistic and realistic.”

Tsongas was viewed as a centrist by many of his peers and colleagues.

Former Democratic Presidential Nominee and Governor Michael S. Dukakis will be the Master of Ceremonies for the Grand Banquet. The Supreme Convention, July 19 to 24, is designed to offer attendees the opportunity to embrace their heritage through educational symposia and social events, featuring live Greek music and dancing. Moreover, the annual meeting presents a wonderful opportunity to discover all that the Greek-American community has achieved in community service, education, civic duty, and philanthropy over the decades. Other events of interest scheduled include:

* An Educational Symposium featuring Prof. Speros Vryonis, Jr., author of the newly released work The Mechanism of Catastrophe: The Turkish Pogrom of September 6-7, 1955, and the Destruction of the Greek Community of Istanbul sponsored by the Educational Foundation and Penelopean Foundation (July 21, 4pm to 6 pm),
* A Cooley’s Anemia Foundation Donation Presentation of $50,000 to Children’s Memorial Hospital of Chicago,
* Sons of Pericles/Maids of Athena Health & College Fair (July 19),
* Athletic Awards Luncheon, featuring four Hall of Fame inductions and recognizing excellence among high school, collegiate, and professional athletes (July 20, Noon),
* A Youth Salute Comedy Night (July 20), and
* A Bone Marrow Registry Drive (July 20 and 21).

“All events are open to the public and we welcome members and non-members alike to participate,” said Executive Director Basil Mossaidis. AHEPA is proud to have Old Neighborhood Foods (www.thinntrim.com), Boston, as a Platinum Sponsor, and Euclid Financial Group (www.euclidmortgage.com), Washington, DC, as a Bronze Sponsor of the 83rd Supreme Convention. The Boston Sheraton is the official convention site.



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 brings the ideals of ancient Greece, which includes philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence to the community. 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/contents.html.


2000 © Hellenic Communication Service, L.L.C. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.HellenicComServe.com