Athens, 4 July 2009
“Dear AHEPA members,
Dear Friends,
It is with great pleasure that I accept the 2009 Pericles Award. I deeply regret that I cannot be with you tonight in person to thank all of you for bestowing such an honor to me and express my appreciation and thanks.
I am particularly humbled as this special honor comes from the distinguished members of AHEPA. AHEPA represents millions of Greek Diaspora and has played an admirable role in helping nurture and strengthen the bilateral relations between Greece and the United States.
AHEPA members have not only prospered in all fields on professional activity but kept their Greek roots and values intact making us proud. Your active citizenship in the USA, your ongoing efforts in the dissemination of Greek values across the globe and your commitment to spreading the ideals of our culture are admirable. In you success and integration into American society you never forgot Greece.
As Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, I would like to express my deep admiration and gratitude for the role your members are playing in promoting our country through their actions and words in the USA. And I would like to reassure you that we in Greece treasure your achievements and take pride in the prosperity of the Greek American community. Indeed each and every AHEPA member is an extraordinary ambassador for Greece.
Your dedication, time and energy to promote our national causes is deeply appreciated by all Greeks. The Greek American community has always been at the forefront of our diplomatic efforts. And the strong bonds our peoples share, serve as a bridge between our Greece and the U.S. Two great countries that enjoy excellent relations and share a common vision of security, freedom and equality.
The 87th Annual Supreme Convention in San Francisco presents an ideal occasion to celebrate these achievements and strengthen the bonds between your members. Your meeting is made even more important held in conjunction with the 80th anniversary of the Daughters of Penelope. Your women’s affiliate has been the driving force behind the progress and prosperity of countless Greek-American women who succeeded both in raising families and excelling in fields of American professional life. The philanthropic, educational and cultural activities undertaken by the Daughters of Penelope are much admired by all.
With my best wished for every success in your 87th Annual Supreme Convention Grand Banquet, once more I thank you very much for the Pericles award. I look forward to welcoming you in Greece very soon”.