Vol. 15 Issue 8 | Wednesday, February 24, 2021
AHEPA E-News
AHEPA Requests States to Commemorate the Bicentennial of Greek Independence
Supreme President George G. Horiates has written to the governors of each of the 50 states to request them to promote Greek Independence Day by issuing proclamations to observe the landmark 200th anniversary of Greece’s Independence. He also encourages the community to mobilize and make the same request of their state governments.
“The ancient Greeks forged the notion of democracy which inspired our nation's founding fathers to create our form of representative government,” Horiates said. “We celebrate Greek Independence Day for numerous reasons; one of them being the reaffirmation of our common democratic heritage. In this especially unique year, it is crucial for all Greek Americans and philhellenes to become involved and do what they can to ensure the Bicentennial of Greek Independence is honored at the state, and even local, levels of government.”
Sample Greek Independence Day Proclamation Text
AHEPA Shares Online Book Version of
America's Contributions to Greek Independence
In the lead-up to the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence, AHEPA shares with its audience an online version of an AHEPA-published book about America’s contributions to Greece’s fight for independence, “The 1821 Greek War of Independence and America’s Contributions to the Greek Cause.“
"We are proud to present this account to the community as a service and a gift as we commemorate Greece's Bicentennial," Supreme President George G. Horiates said. "The role American Philhellenes played in Greece’s fight for independence is to be celebrated and shared widely with the community."
Pictured: Daniel Webster
ICYMI | Senate Resolution Recognizing 200th Anniversary of Greek Independence Introduced
AHEPA welcomes the introduction of a bipartisan Senate resolution commemorating the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence Day, by U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and John Barrasso (R-WY), announced Supreme President George G. Horiates.
The resolution, S.Res.34, celebrates the commitment to democracy that Greece and the United States share as well as the two nations’ lasting partnership and rich history of friendship, according to a statement from Senator Menendez.
The resolution:
Recognizes the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence Day
Celebrates Ancient Greece as the birthplace of democracy and the enduring commitment of the Greek people to democratic principles
Acknowledges the important role that Greece has played on the global stage in addition to the country’s strong relationship with the United States
"AHEPA sincerely thanks Senators Menendez and Barrasso for introducing this resolution that recognizes the landmark bicentennial of Greece’s independence,” Horiates said. “We encourage the community to outreach to their senators to urge their co-sponsorship of the resolution. We call for the U.S. Senate to pass the resolution swiftly."
Find/Contact Your U.S. Senators
Read the Resolution Text
Call for Applications
Scholar-Athlete, Hall of Fame Honors
Do you know of a standout athlete who excels in their individual sport(s) or who displays excellence in the classroom and volunteerism? Or a former athlete worthy to join the ranks of more than 145 members of the AHEPA Athletic Hall of Fame that includes the likes of Harry Agganis, Alex Karras, Pete Sampras, and other industry greats?
Annually, AHEPA presents scholarships and awards to outstanding athletes, scholar-athletes, and former athletes at the AHEPA Family Supreme Convention. Don't miss this opportunity!
Then apply today!
The deadline to submit nominations for the 2021 Scholar-Athlete awards and Hall of Fame honors is March 15, 2021.
Greece Is the Word in 2021
Make Reservations! | Athens Supreme Convention
AHEPA is preparing for the 99th AHEPA Family Supreme Convention to be held in Athens, Greece, July 25 to 31, 2021. The official convention hotel will be the Hotel Grande Bretagne. Reservation deadline is March 31, 2021.
Greece will be celebrating the bicentennial of its independence in 2021 and the AHEPA family will be there to join in the celebration! See you there!
New! Make Reservations | more info
Don't miss out!
100th anniversary member data project underway
AHEPA recently launched a comprehensive 100th Anniversary member data verification project, announced Supreme President George G. Horiates.
"We are requesting all members of AHEPA to contact us for this important project and encourage you to be a part of the Centennial celebrations," Horiates said, adding that members should have received an email with detailed instruction this week. "We've assembled the information currently listed in our member files and now need your help to confirm the accuracy of your data and fill in any information gaps."
Up-to-date member information is critical in helping AHEPA promote the ancient Hellenic ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism. That's why it's so important to call.
Please call 1-888-827-6103 (toll-free) to take care of this important matter today.
Calendar of Events & Deadlines
March
15 | Deadline: National Scholar-Athlete and Hall of Fame applications.
Find the applications here
25 | Bicentennial of Greece's Independence
31 | Deadline: AEF scholarship applications
Apply here
March
31 | Deadline: 2021 Supreme Convention
reservations
April
15 | Deadline: 2021 Supreme Convention Delegate/Alternate reporting form
stay Connected with AHEPA
Join AHEPA Today!
In our own words. What AHEPA means to us
Join AHEPA Now!
Greek American News Digest
Editor's Note
Editorials, commentaries, opinion pieces, and articles are shared for information purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy positions of the Order of AHEPA, its affiliated organizations, and members.
Fresh rejection of Turkey’s ‘harassment’ claims
Ekathimerini (Feb. 23)
Sources inside the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (GEETHA) have rejected claims by Ankara Tuesday that Greece’s military harassed a Turkish research vessel in the Aegean Sea.
read more
Greece issues COVID vaccine certificates to those who have had both doses
Euronews (Feb. 23)
A few months before the tourist season kicks off, Greece has become one of the first countries in the European Union to issue digital COVID-19 vaccination certificates. read more
The accidental hotelier: how I quit economics in London for a new life on a Greek island
Financial Times (Feb. 14)
A sunstruck, spur-of-the-moment decision on the island of Syros led to a radical change of lifestyle
read more
Emirates To Restart Newark to Athens Flights on June 1st
The Pappas Post (Feb. 22)
Emirates announced on February 22 that it will resume daily service between Newark Liberty International Airport and Athens, beginning June 1, 2021. read more
‘Aristophanes’ Review: Laughter on the Acropolis
The Wall Street Journal (Feb. 19)
The study of the languages and literature of ancient Greece and Rome—a discipline once considered so foundational it was simply known as “the classics”—has been under siege for decades. University enrollments in all humanities programs have declined; programs, especially in the classics, are imperiled. The idea of a Western canon deriving from the ancient world has been challenged by some left-wing educators even as it has been taken up by right-wing ideologues: its condition as a political football makes the field’s existence all the more fragile.
Although the times seem to be changing, the classics are still relevant today, perhaps more so than ever. “The glory that was Greece” comes in many flavors, shades, and accents. read more
How do we know what ancient Greek warriors wore for battle? It's in 'The Iliad.'
National Geographic (Feb. 19)
Hector and Achilles might have been the stars of Homer’s epic poem, but their helmets, shields, and weapons are what took center stage. read more
Kosta Koufos Signs In Greece
Hoops Rumors (Feb. 20)
Veteran NBA center Kosta Koufos has signed a deal to suit up for Olympiacos B.C. in Greece, the team announced in a press release. Koufos spent last season with CSKA Moscow in Russia. read more
NY Times Calls Live from Mount Olympus ‘Delightful’
The National Herald (Feb. 23)
The new podcast series Live From Mount Olympus was featured in the New York Times as a “delightful” translation of a Greek myth into a story for teens. read more
