2026 -- S 3054

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LC004714

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

CONGRATULATING THE AMERICAN HELLENIC EDUCATIONAL PROGRESSIVE

ASSOCIATION (AHEPA) CHAPTER 106 "SOPHOCLES" OF PROVIDENCE ON THE

JOYOUS OCCASION OF ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

     Introduced By: Senators Raptakis, Gallo, Tikoian, Euer, Ciccone, Patalano, Kallman,
LaMountain, de la Cruz, and Vargas

     Date Introduced: Maart 11, 2026

     Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar

     WHEREAS, The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was

founded in 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia, during a time of intense discrimination against Greek

immigrants in the United States. Established in response to bigotry and hostility—particularly

from the Ku Klux Klan—AHEPA stands for civil rights, justice, and the full integration of Greek

Americans into the civic life of this nation. AHEPA is rooted in the timeless Hellenic ideals of

education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, and family and personal excellence. AHEPA grew

to become the largest and oldest grassroots association of American citizens of Greek heritage

and Philhellenes, with chapters throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe; and

     WHEREAS, AHEPA Chapter 106 “Sophocles” of Providence was founded on May 30,

1926, and for a century has served as a pillar of leadership, service and cultural pride in Rhode

Island. In 2026, the chapter marks its 100th anniversary, a milestone commemorated at its

Centennial Gala on June 13, 2026, at the historic Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, reflecting one hundred

years of continuous service, leadership, and community engagement. For generations, the chapter

has been a cornerstone of the Greek-American community of Rhode Island, promoting Hellenic

culture and heritage while striving to help its members become good American citizens,

encouraging civic-mindedness, and fostering a deep commitment to the enduring values and

democratic ideals of this country; and

     WHEREAS, From its earliest years, Chapter 106 established itself as a respected and

effective civic organization whose influence has spanned generations. In 1939, the chapter

proudly hosted the 16th Supreme Convention of the Order of AHEPA, welcoming thousands of

delegates and visitors to Rhode Island and highlighting the strength of the local Greek-American

community. At that convention, the chapter dedicated the Samuel Gridley Howe Memorial

Flagpole, which still stands at Brown University today, honoring Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, the

distinguished American physician, humanitarian, abolitionist, and Philhellene who served as a

volunteer surgeon during the Greek War of Independence; and

     WHEREAS, Throughout its history, Chapter 106 has demonstrated an unwavering

commitment to education and youth, maintaining a long-standing scholarship program that has

supported students and families for decades. The chapter also fosters intergenerational

mentorship, creating enduring bonds of friendship and leadership within the community. As part

of its support for youth development, the chapter provides an annual award to students who excel

in the Greek Language School program of the Church of the Annunciation and hosts an annual

luncheon recognizing Sunday School students; and

     WHEREAS, Locally, Chapter 106 maintains a deep and enduring partnership with the

Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation of Cranston, where members generously give their

time, treasure, and talent in support of parish life, cultural programs, and community events,

including the Cranston Greek Festival. Through this volunteerism, leadership, and charitable

support, the chapter helps strengthen the cultural and communal foundation of the local Greek-

American community; and

     WHEREAS, The chapter’s record of philanthropy and service is extensive. Members

raised substantial funds in support of the American war effort during World War II through the

purchase of war bonds and later provided relief to Greece in the aftermath of the war. Many

Brothers have also honorably served in the Armed Forces of the United States. The chapter has

long supported public health initiatives, including fundraising and awareness efforts for Cooley’s

Anemia, and has been a national leader in support of Saint Basil Academy in Garrison, New

York—so significantly that a hall there is named in honor of former Chapter President, Supreme

Treasurer, and Chairman of the AHEPA Board of Trustees, Spiro C. Samaras; and

     WHEREAS, Chapter 106 has also played an important role in public affairs and Hellenic

advocacy, supporting strong relations between the United States and Greece, advocating for

justice in Cyprus, and assisting refugees following the 1974 Turkish invasion while maintaining

close relationships with local, state, national, and Greek officials. The chapter is working

alongside Rhode Island State Senator Leonidas Raptakis on the Rhode Island Hellenic Heritage

License Plate initiative. Chapter 106 regularly participates in the annual Greek Independence Day

observances at the Rhode Island State House hosted by Senator Raptakis, as well as other civic

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commemorations honoring Hellenic heritage and American democratic ideals; and

     WHEREAS, For one hundred years, AHEPA Chapter 106 “Sophocles” has embodied the

values upon which AHEPA was founded—service, faith, patriotism, education, community

leadership, family and personal excellence, and the preservation and promotion of Hellenic

heritage—making a lasting impact on Rhode Island and proudly sustaining its cultural legacy for

future generations; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby joyously congratulates

the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Chapter 106 “Sophocles”

of Providence on the joyous occasion of its 100th Anniversary; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the President of AHEPA Chapter 106

"Sophocles" of Providence, Mr. George Coclin.

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