Rhode Island becomes the first state in the nation to issue a license plate specifically honoring Greece, Hellenism and the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.
This past week Rhode Island’s Ahepa chapters, State Senator Leonidas P. Raptakis, State Representative Joseph M. McNamara, Rhode Island.
Governor Dan McKee and Consul General of Greece Boston Symeon Tegos unveiled the recently approved legislation by the General Assembly creating a Rhode Island Greek Heritage motor vehicle license plate in conjunction with the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA). The bills were introduced this year by State Senator Leonidas P. Raptakis and Rep. Joseph M. McNamara making Rhode Island the first state in the nation to issue a license plate specifically honoring Greece, Hellenism and the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.
The motor vehicle license plate was unveiled in a ceremony at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Demetrakas Hall, Cranston Rhode Island. All three Rhode Island Ahepa chapters attending were Sophocles 106 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Cranston, A-121 Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church Pawtucket and 245 St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church Newport Rhode Island.
The license plate which depicts the national flag of Greece encircled with the Olympic gold wreath on the top left and the Ahepa symbol on the top right and the Parthenon which is considered an enduring symbol of ancient Greece, Western Civilization and democracy centered in the middle of the license plate. The words State of Rhode Island and Hellenic Heritage are featured on the top and bottom of the license plate.
A series of designs were created by Ioanna Savoie daughter of Ahepan member Bobby Dafoulas where all three Ahepa Chapters and the church parishioners voted on the final rendition. Melina Panichas and Nicholas Lambros created the pre-registration application form for any Rhode Island resident can start the process of ordering the license plate.
The Hellenic-American community in our state has always emphasized the strong connection between Rhode Island, known for its commitment to independence, and the nation of Greece, which was the birthplace of democracy. Hellenic Rhode Islanders are proud of their heritage and this bill will allow them to further share their rich and historic culture with the rest of the state,” said Senator Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, West Greenwich). “Rhode Island is home to many proud Hellenic people and families, and this bill will allow them to showcase their pride of their rich Greek culture to everyone on our state’s roadways.
It’s an honor to introduce this bill for my Hellenic constituents and the rest of Rhode Island’s Greek community,” said Representative McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston). Governor Dan McKee emphasized the great activity the Greek community in Rhode Island has emphasized and the diverse background and history worth celebrating in the unveiling of this special license plate this evening”.
Consul General of Greece Symeon Tegos emphasized “When you have strong support in the Rhode Island legislature regarding Hellenic issues with State Senator Lou Raptakis leading the way the results are very positive in passing this type of legislation”
Speaking and emphasizing the importance of the Ahepa-Hellenic Heritage license plate were Ahepa Supreme Governor Region 4 Gregory Simones, Sophocles 106 Chapter President George Coclin, representing on behalf of Chapter A-121 President Ioannis Apostolakis Chapter was former chapter President George Demopoulos and from Chapter 245 Newport President Anthony Spiratos.
Also in attendance were Father Andrew George of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Cranston and Father Philip Zymaris of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church Pawtucket and past Supreme President of Ahepa Dr. John Grossomanides. Following the unveiling event all three Ahepa chapters hosted a buffet style dinner and the evening ended with a cutting of a special cake highlighting the license plate.
The legislation (2025-S 0155 and 2025-H 6148) empowers the Division of Motor Vehicles to make available special motor vehicle registration plates for the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association and Rhode Island’s Hellenic Heritage. AHEPA is a fraternal organization founded on July 26, 1922, in Atlanta, Georgia.
AHEPA was founded with a focus on civil rights, particularly to counteract the Ku Klux Klan. It is the largest and oldest grassroots association of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes with more than 400 chapters across the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. The mission of AHEPA is to promote the ancient Hellenic ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism.
