The AHEPAN Summer 2018 - 6

AHEPA FAMILY NEWS

AHEPA Denounces Attempted
Vandalism of Truman Statue
AHEPA strongly denounced the attempted vandalism of the Harry S.
Truman Memorial Statue in Athens by left-wing extremists, announced
Supreme President Carl R. Hollister.
"AHEPA respects and encourages freedom of speech and the rights of
individuals to gather and demonstrate peacefully," Hollister said. "However,
there are certainly more productive and effective ways to express dissent
or opposition than to resort to senseless acts of vandalism."
He added, "We commend the Hellenic Police Unit for the Reinstatement
of Order for its effort to prevent the vandalism of the Truman Statue. We
will work with the mayor of Athens and the municipality to explore measures to protect the Truman Statue, which has quite often been the target
of vandals."

Background
AHEPA gifted the Truman Statue on behalf of Greek Americans when it
was dedicated on May 29, 1963, before an audience of 20,000.
In his message that was read to the crowd, President John F. Kennedy
stated: "I hope this outstanding memorial, which the Order of AHEPA has Top: Extremists attempt to pull down the Truman Statue.
Bottom: The AHEPA family delegation with Ambassador
made possible, will come to symbolize not only our common heritage and
Geoffrey Pyatt visit the Truman Statue in May.
efforts, but will serve to remind us of the high priority President Truman
gave the progress of Greece toward economic development and social justice in peace and freedom."
Former Greek Prime Minister Constantine Caramanlis stated the importance of the Truman Doctrine at the statue's unveiling
ceremony: "If the Greeks want to survive as a free nation, they should not forget the dramatic period with which Mr. Truman's name
is linked. Should they forget it, they would deserve their fate and have no right to ask for anyone's help."
President Harry S. Truman was a member of AHEPA, joining on March 25, 1946, at ceremonies held at the White House. He
was a member of AHEPA Chapter 73, Kansas City, Mo.

AHEPA Provides Public Health Aid
to Puerto Rico
AHEPA Chapter 537, Puerto Rico, raised and donated $16,000 to the
University Pediatric Hospital in San Juan for a neonatal incubator. District
2 Governor Gus Pantelides and Chapter 537 President Agamemnon Gus
Pantel presented the donation to hospital officials. According to Brothers
Pantelides and Pantel, the hospital officials were extremely grateful for the
District 2 Governor Pantelides (second from left) and
AHEPA family's philanthropy. The brothers also conveyed their apprecia- Chapter 537 President Pantel (far right) with officials from
tion to AHEPA family chapters and individuals who donated to this worthy University Pediatric Hospital.
cause.
"Witnessing the good work these doctors provide to help the premature babies recover is amazing," Pantelides said.
University Pediatric Hospital cares for many premature babies throughout the Caribbean because it is one of the best facilities
to provide such care in the region. Unfortunately, much of the hospital's equipment was damaged or lost due to Hurricane Maria.

THE AHEPAN · Summer 2018

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The AHEPAN Summer 2018