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
Franklin R. 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.
For more information about the 83rd Supreme Convention please contact
AHEPA
Headquarters, 202/232-6300.
For instant information visit www.ahepa.org.
