2008 Programs and Events
AHEPA Convention Activities
June 30 - July 6, 2008
Following the wreath-laying ceremonies on Monday, June 30 , Ambassador Daniel V. Speckhard, DCM Thomas M. Countryman, and other Embassy officials participated in the many other events of AHEPA’s 86th Supreme Convention. That evening, Ambassador Speckhard delivered a keynote address on foreign policy priorities and Greek-American relations. Also on Monday, Embassy Spokesperson Carol Kalin joined AHEPA leadership and Deputy Minister of Culture for Sports Yiannis Ioannidis for the opening press conference at the Zappeion.
On Tuesday, July 1, Ambassador Speckhard received AHEPA's top leadership in his office, and later attended a reception in their honor hosted by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dora Bakoyannis. The next day, Wednesday, July 2, American Citizen Services Chief Kees Davison and Federal Benefits Unit Head Dan Chavez participated in a panel discussion entitled “Death and Taxes.”
AHEPA leaders also joined the Ambassador at his residence, Jefferson House, for the 233rd celebration of American Independence on Wednesday night. An AHEPA celebration of the 4th of July took place at the Glyfada Golf Club, where DCM Countryman delivered remarks. The DCM also participated in a panel on Hellenism and Greek-American relations that morning. Winding up the week's activities, he attended AHEPA’s gala banquet on the night of July 5.
Hundreds of members of AHEPA, the largest Greek-American organization, arrived in Athens for the annual convention, which was the first to be held in Greece for nearly 40 years. AHEPA has a long history of philanthropy, volunteerism, and political advocacy.