The AHEPAN - Winter 2010/2011 - (Page 4)

messAGe FrOm NiChOlAs A. KArACOstAs AhepA sUpreme presiDeNt ahepa continues to thrive as a new year approaches The New Year is upon us. Before we even knew it 2010 came and went, and now we look forward to continued progress as we embark on a New Year and advance into the early stages of a new decade. If this issue of The Ahepan demonstrates anything, it reaffirms: AHEPA’s rich history is preserved and revered, AHEPA continues to thrive in the grassroots, and AHEPA’s groundbreaking programs provide inspiration and have meaning. In October, AHEPA organized a policy conference on the emerging relations between Greece and Israel that was hailed by conference participants and observers as “groundbreaking” and “historic.” I am proud that AHEPA, an organization recognized in society as a Nicholas A. Karacostas “bridge-building” entity, was once again at the forefront of bringing communities together for the betterment of us all. Since the conference was held, I am confident that diplomatic contacts have increased and the discourse continued by think-tanks and other entities in Washington. For example, I will attend an important dinner hosted by Ambassador Vassilis Kaskarelis that brings Greek and Jewish organizations together on November 29. The next steps, especially those of AHEPA, are equally important. I look forward to taking those next steps with another first—a visit to Israel as part of our annual spring excursion abroad. The growth and development of the National Hellenic Museum in Chicago is simply amazing. It is a testament to the will and determination of the Greek American community. We welcome a guest article by the museum’s executive director, Stephanie Vlahakis, who many of us had the pleasure of meeting at the Supreme Convention in Montreal. Ms. Vlahakis’ article details how far the museum has come. I know the AHEPA family of District 13 has given much to the museum’s development. However, now as an AHEPA national project, I encourage the AHEPA Domain to support the museum as it strives to meet its mission. I commend the organizers and participants of the historic running of the Athens Marathon on the occasion of the 2,500th anniversary of the original marathon. More than 70 marathoners ran under the AHEPA banner, and in the process, raised tens of thousands of dollars for the AHEPA Charitable Foundation. Equally important, each marathoner experienced a truly moving event running—or walking—in the footsteps of Pheidippides and crossing the Finish Line in the ancient Olympic Stadium. I am happy that AHEPA played an integral role in this celebration of our Hellenic history. AHEPA continues to apply pressure on the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in an effort to cut the bureaucratic red tape so negotiations can resume to facilitate the rebuilding of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at its agreed-upon location at Ground Zero, 130 Liberty Street. In November, we sent 12,000 signatures to Mr. Christopher Ward, who is the executive director of the port authority. I sincerely thank everyone who lent their name to help us strengthen our collective voice for this noble campaign. And with a new governor set to take office in New York, I remain hopeful that we can convey the sentiments of the Greek American community to a new, sympathetic audience. Finally, as I write this message during the week we observe Veterans Day, I am reminded of the selfless sacrifices of our brave men and women in the Armed Forces. Please keep support for “ThanksUSA,” a charity that provides educational assistance to military families —and my spotlight organization for 2011—on your chapters’ agendas. And in the spirit of Veterans Day, I would like to share with you a part of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s 1942 Flag Day speech that included a prayer specially composed by the poet and author Stephen Vincent Benét. FDR, an Ahepan, said: “Yet most of all grant us brotherhood, not only for this day but for all our years-a brotherhood not of words but of acts and deeds. We are all of us children of earth-grant us that simple knowledge. If our brothers are oppressed, then we are oppressed. If they hunger, we hunger. If their freedom is taken away, our freedom is not secure. Grant us a common faith that man shall know bread and peace-that he shall know justice and righteousness, freedom and security, an equal opportunity and an equal chance to do his best, not only in our own lands, but throughout the world. And in that faith let us march, toward the clean world our hands can make. Amen.” As the Holidays come to a close, and we look toward a New Year, let’s keep these eloquent and inspirational words in our minds and close to our hearts. 4 the ahepan Winter 2010-11 www.ahepa.org http://www.ahepa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The AHEPAN - Winter 2010/2011

The AHEPAN - Winter 2010/2011
Contents
Supreme President’s Message
AHEPA Family News
AHEPA Conference Explores Emerging Relations Between Greece, Israel
Community Excellence Honored in New England
AHEPA Runners to the Front of the Marathon Line
AHEPA PAC News
The Newest Thing in Ancient History: The New National Hellenic Museum
Housing
AHEPA Family Chapter News
In Memoriam
The Periclean

The AHEPAN - Winter 2010/2011