Speech #890258485

Ill.. chapter No. 234. Mr. President. it would literally be impossible for me to enumerate the many fine charitable projects sponsored by the Order of AHEPA which run into the millions of dollars. the many and various categories of civic and public affairs projects which are of outstanding character and of great value to the community. and the many fraternal and social programs in the past 44 years which have aided the Greek immigrant to become fully assimilated in the American way of life within one generation. However. I can briefly note that the Order of AHEPA has provided the type of leadership that has given great incentive to the Greek immigrant and his family that has brought forth outstanding businessmen. labor leaders. professional men. educators. churchmen. artists. writers. and leading figures in public life. George Christopher. former mayor of San Francisco. came to America as a Greek immigrant boy and Congressman JOHN BRADEMAS is the son of a Greek immigrant. Christopher is a Republican and BRADEMAS is a Democrat. I say this is an excellent example of the Greek immigrant becoming fully assimilated In the American way of life. The Order of AHEPA with other national GreekAmerican organizations in the early twenties helped to build church communities throughout the United States. AHEPA provided millions of dollars in scholarships to aid young men and women to gain a college education. urged its members and fellow GreekAmericans to become active in public affairs and public office. exercised its constitutional right of petition in urging Congress to amend the various immigration acts and special acts to aid immigrants from all foreign nations to come to America. to grant to EasternGreekOrthodox faith a major religious faith status in the United States. and most important. urged the Americans of Hellenic linage to become outstanding American citizens while at the same time preserving the great Hellenic heritage that gave so much to the world and America. Mr. President.