The President of the Government participates today as guest of honour in the ceremonies to celebrate the Portuguese Heritage Day in the State of Massachusetts.

The solemn session that marks the twenty-ninth edition of these celebrations, promoted by members of the Portuguese-American Legislative Caucus, will take place at the Massachusetts State House in Boston. During this event, honorary commendations will be awarded to Luso-American personalities of that State who have excelled in their communities in various fields.

In this year's edition, 14 personalities will be honoured, of whom nine are of Azorean descent.

Vasco Cordeiro was invited by Senator Marc Pacheco and Representative Tony Cabral in February to be guest of honour. The President of the Regional Government will speak at the solemn session and will also participate in the awarding ceremony of commendations to the honourees.

The President of the Government said it was an honour to participate in the ceremonies that celebrate the "role the Portuguese Community has played and continues to play in the State of Massachusetts, with special emphasis on the large Azorean community residing here."

Official ceremonies begin at 10 AM local time, four hours less than the Azores.