AHEPA received recognition from the Pennsylvania State Senate and the City of Philadelphia on Tuesday evening during its America the Beautiful Reception at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The July 28 event was part of AHEPA’s 104th Supreme Convention, taking place in Philadelphia through Aug. 1. Delegates, Greek American community leaders and public officials gathered at the museum as the convention marked the United States’ 250th anniversary.
John Vasiliou, president of the Federation of Hellenic American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley, served as master of ceremonies. The two-hour reception included access to the museum’s galleries and a group photograph on its interior staircase.
Vasiliou said the museum gathering gave convention visitors an opportunity to see more of Philadelphia and its landmarks during their stay.
Pennsylvania State Sen. Maria Collett centered her remarks on her Greek-American upbringing and the democratic traditions shared by Greece and the United States.
Collett, who represents portions of Montgomery County, told attendees that she was born in Athens to a Greek father and an American mother and moved to the United States at age four. She said her family raised her within the traditions and values of both countries, with democracy serving as a common thread.
She noted that the American founders drew from Greek political thought and that the U.S. Constitution was signed in Philadelphia. Collett also referred to the Pennsylvania legislative Hellenic and Philhellenic Caucus, which she established with state Rep. Steven Malagari, and spoke about the continuing relationship between Greece and the United States.
At the close of her remarks, Collett presented AHEPA Supreme President E. Chris Kaitson with a Pennsylvania Senate Certificate of Recognition honoring the organization’s 104 years of public service. She cited AHEPA’s work in education, philanthropy, civic responsibility and volunteerism.
Philadelphia Councilmember Jim Harrity also addressed the gathering and thanked AHEPA for selecting the city for its national convention.
Harrity presented a Philadelphia proclamation recognizing the organization’s work and accomplishments. He said the document was signed by him and the City Council president and was also recognized by the mayor.
The reception was one of several convention programs held at Philadelphia landmarks. Delegates were also scheduled to attend an America 250 program near Independence Hall, a Greek night aboard the Battleship New Jersey, and the AHEPA Family Grand Banquet.
Photos by Eleftherios Kostans. Video by Vasilis Keisoglou.