City of Palm Coast hosts Portugal Day flag-raising event on June 10

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

The City of Palm Coast and the Portuguese American Cultural Center hosted a public Portugal Day flag-raising ceremony at Palm Coast City Hall at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 10.

The ceremony was held outside, at the flag pole, at City Hall, 160 Lake Ave. Event organizer, João “John” Furão, was emcee, and Council Members Nick Klufas and Victor Barbosa welcomed guests to the ceremony. The event hosted international dignitary Dr. Berta Nunes, the Secretary of State for the Portuguese Communities. This is Nunes’ first visit to the United States.

Speakers included Council Member Nick Klufas, Flagler County Commissioner Chairman Donald O’Brien, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly, and Dr. Berta Nunes. During the event, the flags of the United States and Portugal were raised in celebration of Portugal Day.

The Portuguese Delegates in attendance, in addition to Dr. Berta Nunes, were the Ambassador of Portugal in Washington, Dr. Domingos Fezas Vital, the Chief of Cabinet for the Secretary of State Dr. Paulo Domingos, and Portuguese Consulate representative in Palm Coast João Queimado.

Also in attendance were Portuguese American Cultural Center President Mr. Joseph Costa and the Counselor for the Portuguese Communities, Mr. Manuel Viegas.

Portugal Day is Portugal's National Day, celebrated annually on June 10. In addition to being officially observed with ceremonies, concerts, pageants and parades in Portugal, Portuguese Americans and Portuguese citizens and emigrants throughout the world celebrate the holiday. The date commemorates the death of poet Luis de Camoes on June 10, 1580.