A District 21 National Project District 21 is proposing the following to be considered as a National Project. We are proposing the establishment of the Hellenic-American Legion of Valor, honoring all Hellenes and Hellenic-Americans, who served honorably and unselfishly in the Armed forces of the United States of America. We are recommending the establishment of a Charitable Foundation (501 C3) to operate under. It is envisioned that many programs/projects will be authorized under this National Project. It is recommended that the Board of Directors be established for the Hellenic-American Legion of Valor, made up of no more than eight members, including a maximum of two members from the Daughters of Penelope. It is recommended that the Board Members have significant military experience so that decisions made reflect proper military understanding and etiquette. Committees for the various veterans' projects will report to the Board of Directors. Project No. 1: W.W.II Statue. Oakland Chapter 171 is the lead Committee in the effort to develop a monument honoring the W.W.II Greek/American Operation Group (OSS) and all Hellenes who fought in W.W.II. The preferred site for the statue is to make it part of the proposed W.W.II Memorial in Washington, DC, with scheduled ground breaking in May 2000. (Approval from the US Government for our participation in that project is being requested.) Other sites are being considered. The Greek American Operations Group (also known as the Greek Battalion) was a Battalion made up of Greek Immigrants and Greek-Americans who were recruited, trained and deployed behind enemy lines in Greece to organize, train and fight with the Greek Resistance. As a Group they have earned their place in History, fighting in several European countries. The research of the Greek/American Operation Group for this project is currently underway. A joint program is planned with AHEPA and the Government of Greece to honor this group for their valor in Greece. It is important to note that most of these veterans are in their 70's & 80's. It has been reported that 2000 W.W.II veterans are dying daily. Mortality is taking its toll, therefore, time is of the essence. Project No. 2: Hellenic-American Museum of Valor. Initiated by District 21, we are in the early stages in the organization of a Museum to record and maintain the records of all Hellenes who served in all US wars and conflicts. Veterans receiving the nations highest decorations for heroism will be identified and have a special place of valor in the museum (e.g., recipients of, Medal of Honor of the Navy, Army, or Air Force; or the Army Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross, etc.). In addition, those units having demonstrated extraordinary feats of bravery and heroism, such as the Greek/American Operation Group (OSS), will be separately recognized and honored. The museum will provide a historical perspective of the Hellenic Immigrant, Hellenic-Arnerican, and Phil-Hellenes, documenting their contributions to Freedom and Liberty. We will use the latest technology to develop a data base of information which will be accessible to visitors. Special videos and slide presentations will be developed. A special effort will be made to develop information adapted for the younger visitors. Data bases will be continually updating information as new information becomes available. The museum will also include a reference library and a theater. We are exploring the possibility of locating a suitable site at a Federal, State or Local facility, such as the Presidio (San Francisco) or other military facility. The location of the Museum will be determined by the Foundation Board. Donations, artifacts and memorabilia will be solicited from the membership, Hellenic Communities and Veterans Organizations, and other sources. Names and biographies of veterans, living and deceased, must be accumulated in a short period of time. Persons applying for consideration to the Hellenic-American Legion of Honor shall be of Hellenic Heritage (birth, parents or ancestral) husband or wife of a Hellenic or a Phil-Hellene that is a member of AHEPA in good standing for a minimum of ten years. Funding will come from AHEPA contributions nationwide, community donations and veterans. It is proposed that there be no admission charge to the museum (although donations will be accepted). There may be a nominal charge to cover cost for information requested by visitors or the public. There has been a significant effort in this area by other organizations such as the Cretaris and the Museum of Chicago. AHEPA should be able to benefit from their efforts. A website will be established to make information available regarding history, individual records, anecdotes, newsletter and statistics. The website will also list upcoming or special events, speakers or visiting exhibits. It is important that the information regarding these Projects reach every District, Chapter and the Hellenic Community in a timely manner. A committee for each project under the Hellenic-American Legion of Valor will be formed. To have representation in every District it is proposed that the Supreme Governors become part of the Committee(s) and represent these National Projects to the membership and report to the Board of Directors. As new Supreme Governors are elected, the duties of the Hellenic-American Legion of Valor Committee will be passed to the new Supreme Governor. Persons Interested in participating are urged to join Project Committees. The objective of these projects is to honor and bring long overdue recognition to the veterans of the Hellenic community who served in the US military. Preliminary Cost Estimated at $750, 000for the Statue, plaques, tenant improvements, computers and video equipment. |
