DAUGHTERS
OF PENELOPE SALUTE GREECE'S NEW FOREIGN MINISTER
WASHINGTON-In
the beautiful setting of the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic in
Washington, DC, the Daughters of Penelope held their Biennial Salute to
Women on Saturday, March 11, 2006, honoring Dora Bakoyannis, Foreign
Minister of Greece.
Grand
President Mary Boufis Filou, Ph.D. said,
"The Daughters of Penelope are proud to honor Dora Bakoyannis,
the first woman elected Mayor of Athens and the first woman to become
Foreign Minister of Greece. Her leadership and dedication in areas as bringing terrorists
to justice, the most successful Olympic Games, and concern for women's
rights have brought her wide acclaim.
Her accomplishments are worthy of our recognition."
Pictured Are (L-R): Daughters of
Penelope Grand President Dr. Mary B. Filou, Ambassador Alexandros Mallias,
and Salute Chairman and Past Grand President Evellyn Tsiadis.
Although her
new duties as Foreign Minister prevented her from attending the Salute,
Ms. Bakoyannis was present in a videotaped acceptance of the award.
She lauded the philanthropic works of the Daughters of Penelope and
warmly accepted the award bestowed by them.
"Your
philanthropic, educational and cultural contribution to the United States,
Canada and Greece can hardly pass unnoticed," she said. "Truly
remarkable is to witness the strength and devotion of highly committed
women at the service of their local and broader society.
It is a testimony of the true abilities of women and the landmark
of society solidarity."
Foreign
Minister Bakoyannis added, "The Daughters of Penelope remain true to
our common Hellenic heritage and culture, and have worked hard in order to
ensure the spread of Greek values in civilization."
Chairman of
the event, Evellyn Tsiadis, Past Grand President, said, "Guests at
the Salute to Women included over 200 Daughters of Penelope, Ahepans,
Maids of Athena and Sons of Pericles.
They came to honor our most respectable recipient, Dora Bakoyannis.
We are honored that Ms. Bakoyannis so graciously accepted our
recognition."
This marks
the first time the Greek Embassy has opened its doors for such an event.
Ambassador Mallias indicated, "I hope it is the first of many
times the Embassy is used for such a purpose."
Speakers
included Mary Boufis Filou, Ph.D., Grand President, Daughters of Penelope;
His Excellency Alexandros Mallias, Ambassador of Greece to the United
States, Gus J. James II, Supreme President, Order of AHEPA; Maria
Mastrokyriakos, Grand President, Maids of Athena; and Mike Panayotou,
Supreme President, Sons of Pericles; Cathy Ferguson, Past Grand President,
Daughters of Penelope; and Evellyn Tsiadis, Past Grand President and
Chairman of the Salute to Women.
