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DeNucci
Speaks at Portuguese Heritage Day
Milford Daily News
By Danielle Ameden, Daily News correspondent - June 6, 2007
BOSTON - Pillars in their communities, 29 people from the Bay State to the Azores were honored on Beacon Hill yesterday for building their lives in inspiring ways with a Portuguese flair.
While most of the honorees who were awarded medallions are immigrants from Portugal who came to America, the 23rd annual Heritage Day of Portugal also celebrated the president of the Azores for his political and civic leadership.
"Portugal has made its mark on Western civilization," state Auditor A. Joseph DeNucci told the award winners in the House chambers. "Portuguese- Americans help make America the greatest country. It is through your hard work."
Two people from Milford and two from Hudson were among the recipients of the Portuguese Heritage Award. The medallions given during the ceremony represented each person's success story.
Gov. Deval Patrick congratulated the honorees for their hard work, telling them they are "a vital part of the commonwealth's rich diversity."
"This is your house," Patrick told the award winners, before welcoming them back under the golden dome.
Patrick delivered a proclamation declaring June "Portuguese American Heritage Month" and drew a standing ovation after bidding the crowd, "Muito obrigado" or many thanks.
Carlos Manuel Martins do Vale Cesar, president of the Azores, an autonomous island region of Portugal, was honored at the ceremony.
Speaking about the strong ties between Portugal, the Azores and America, he said the long-lasting relationship has been built, "on friendship, mutual respect and admiration, but also on common principles and strategic goals."
State Rep. John Fernandes, D-Milford, served as master of ceremonies, sharing the story of how his grandparents emigrated from Portugal when his father was a baby.
The freshman lawmaker bestowed the honorary medallions on two Milfordians of Portuguese descent. He touted the achievements of Maria Valenca and Domenic Afonso, both business owners and community leaders who came to America as young adults.
Valenca is a woman who inspires others in her community by speaking "for the people," Fernandes said.
"I am so happy, I can jump," Valenca told the crowd after accepting her medallion and hugging Fernandes. "I'm going to share this with my family, my community - Milford."
Fernandes introduced Afonso, who owns D&F Afonso Builders, as a man "happiest when he's on his backhoe ... happiest giving back to his community."
Getting his medallion, Afonso said, "I just have to say thanks to this great nation." He then gave a bear hug to his representative.
Hudson's Jose Braga had just been given his award and was about to address the crowd when the sergeant at arms trumpeted Patrick's arrival. A native of Santa Maria, Azores, Braga has been active with his community's Portuguese Club.
He stood patiently during Patrick's short speech and declaration, offering few words after the governor departed to his standing ovation.
"After this, I have nothing more to add," said Braga, as the crowd burst into laughter and applause.
Luisa Fontes, another Azores native turned Hudson community leader was honored by Rep. Patricia Walrath, D-Stow.
Her acceptance speech was as short as Braga's after Rep. Robert Correia, D-Fall River, said the ceremony would have to be expedited so lawmakers and distinguished guests could make their scheduled meeting with Patrick.
"This is for my family, thank you," was all Fontes said.
Amused by the quick speech, Correia joked, "Luisa, you didn't have to be that short."
Ambassador of Portugal Joao de Vallera and Lt. Gov. Tim Murray were among the dignitaries to offer the honorees their congratulations and reflections about the people of Portugal's contributions as whaling tradesmen and explorers who charted the waters to America.
The award winners were honored for their own charting ways and individual achievements.
"You set an example for us to follow and emulate," said Correia, chairman of the Heritage Day of Portugal Legislative Committee. "You have done all of us - even those who are no longer with us - proud."