This is the kind of spirit which can restore unity and trust in our land and your organization as has been amply pointed out by others who have preceded me to the rostrum this evening. the order of AHEPA exists for the very purpose of identifying and preserving respect for the profound contribution that Greek Americans have made in the building of our nation. You are rightfully proud of your heritage and I think you rightfully look back to gain a better perspective for the journey that still lies ahead. I know in my own case. and you will pardon me if I close these remarks on a personal note. there is no man who has had a more profound impact on my own life than my own immigrant father. He brought with him from the old world not just a desire to succeed in the new but more importantly some very basic principles and beliefs. a deep religious faith and commitment and also a determination to become an active participant in the role of being an American citizen. I was rather appalled last week on Tuesday when my own State of Illinois conducted a primary at the very low rate of voter participation. something like 20 percent and I called my father the following day but I wasnt surprised and he told meand mind you. hes now in his 90th year. when I asked him about the results that of course he had gone to the polls and he had voted. and so I think that in many respects. he is like those many Greek immigrants who were represented in spirit and perhaps even in fact. by this great audience tonight. those immigrants who constitute that resolute breed of men of whom a great American poet. Walt Whitman. wrote these lines: "There is no week nor day nor hour when tyranny may not enter upon this counrty. if the people lose their supreme confidence in themselves. and lose their roughness and spirit of defiance. tyranny may always enter. There is no charm. no bar against It.
Keywords matched
immigrant immigrants