<p><em>Eight visionary men came together to create a fraternal Order and to promote its "objectives and principles: effect a perfect and harmonious understanding between ourselves and others..." Bold words for a group of salesmen who wanted to create an organization to help make Greek immigrants, good Americans. Who knew that on a hot day, June 26, 1922, these eight men would create an organization-the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association-which eventually would span the world? Who knew in 1922 that this organization would thrive in turbulent decades and survive 100 years, promoting values and traditions of the immigrants who created it? The creation of this organization, this fraternity, was organic and original. Many organizations started from a chapter or a group and flourished into a national organization, but not this. AHEPA was invented at the national level and much like Johnny Appleseed spread its important message to communities and chapters across North America, Europe, Asia, and as far away as Australasia.</em></p>