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One hundred and twenty five years of Union, Charity and Protection for
our forefathers, for us and our children and, with God’s help and the help
of all our members, a legacy of unmatchable value for generations to come.
Our Society has spanned three facets of communitarian life –
Financial, Fraternal and Social.
In our 125 years of existence, history registered the biggest
changes and progress of humanity, wars, economic depressions and other
conflicts.
In spite of that, the survival of our Society was never affected
thanks to the efforts and sacrifice of the individuals who, throughout the
years, dedicated their lives to our cause.
I pay tribute to all the men and women whose dedication has been
and continue to be the Soul of the UPEC.
J. R. R. Tolkien wrote a small poem that always inspires me when I
read it. Today, and with your permission, I would like to share it
with you:
The Road goes over on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where my paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.
In the future we will be judged on how we administer and guard this
treasure left to us by our forefathers.
We reached one of the most difficult times for our Fraternal
Organizations, bastions of our culture and pioneers of all our
communitarian activities.
We are fortunate to participate in other civil and religious
activities that keep us very busy. However we want to compete for the
free time and energies of all our members.
We have an invitation for all of you. It is a simple
invitation. Tell all your neighbors, co-workers and family members, about
all the products and programs offered by UPEC. Our programs are competitive
and our service excellent. Share with them your commitment to our Society.
To the members of our subordinate councils I promise that I’ll do
everything in my power to support your work.
I know that it is difficult to get the participation of our members
and generate more Council activities but I’ll be there to help if you need
me and let me know in advance.
During my Official Visits I’ll be glad to provide, as I have done
in the past, the Patriotic songs such as “Star Spangled Banner”, “A
Portuguesa”, “Hino da UPEC” and “God Bless America” that we,
traditionally, sing at solemn occasions.
I would also like to offer my help in obtaining new members for our
Society, or for a better communication between the Supreme Council and the
Subordinate Councils.
I know that the incidents that have occurred in the last few months
in the midst of UPEC are in everyone’s minds. Because of that this is the
ideal time to rally and stay united.
The Supreme Council, the Past Supreme Presidents Association, the
State Youth Council, the Subordinate Councils, in other words, all of us – Union
is Strength.
Many of you have major investments in UPEC: financial investments,
personal investments of years of Fraternalism and sacrifices and
sentimental investments because UPEC has been part of your families from
generation to generation.
Regardless of your investment with UPEC I ask you: “Let’s stay
united and face the future with confidence”. This moment seems appropriate
to use the meaning of one of the most celebrated phrases of the XX century
– “And so, my friends, ask not what our Society can do for us, but what can
we do for our Society”.
Our future progress depends on our ability of, together, carry out
our dreams and goals.
As Supreme President of UPEC I want to send our best wishes to the Governors
of the state of California and the state of Nevada, Consul General of
Portugal in San Francisco, Portuguese Fraternal and Religious Societies,
Civic Clubs, Clergy and Portuguese Media, both written and
spoken.
I congratulate my friend, Past Supreme President, Joe Dias and his
wife Dorothy for a year of success and hard work. Isilda and I want to,
sincerely, thank you for the friendship and company.
I extend my congratulations to the Past State Youth President,
Kathleen Barrett. We are blessed to have youngsters like Kathleen, and the
others who preceded her willing to offer their time and energy in favor of
such a noble cause because our time is the richest gift we can offer. God
Bless you!
Congratulations and best wishes to the new Board of Directors, to
all the Supreme Officers, State Youth President and State Youth Officers.
Our sincere thanks to all of you who made this moment a reality,
especially to our Council #75, my wife and companion Isilda who, I know,
will help me fulfill my duties and obligations as Supreme President, my
sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and other family members.
Our sincere thanks to our Installation Marshals, Richard Castro and
Jonine Barreiro and a special thank you to our Installing Officer, Past
Supreme President Mary I. Pereira who, as well as her deceased
beloved husband Frank, were instrumental on the fact that I am here,
today, speaking to you as your Supreme President.
O Barco e o Sonho
Jovem sonhador, daquela terra distante
Para o além, de mares e terra desconhecida
Partirei algum dia, serei um emigrante
Entre outros povos e nações, terei nova vida
Eis que o barco de sonho, nos leva mar fora
Novo mundo encontramos, que tesouro
Nova vida se transforma, bendita a hora
Em que o destino nos abriu, a porta de ouro
Terra de sonho, nova Pátria amada
Aqui tão longe, te viemos encontrar
E depois de tantos anos, e tão longa caminhada
Ainda como jovens, continuamos a sonhar
Mother Theresa said “We can do no great things but we can do
small things with a great heart”. Let’s all put our hearts into
making our Society better and better. Thank you and God Bless.
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