Portugal’s ambassador to the US, Nuno Filipe Alves Salvador e Brito, visited Rhode Island last week to present local US Senator Jack Reed with one of Portugal’s highest commendations, the Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator.
The commendation was in “recognition of Reed’s contributions over the years to US-Portuguese relations and his efforts to strengthen the transatlantic relationship”.
Intriguingly, Rhode Island has the highest per capita percentage of Americans with Portuguese ancestry. About one in every 10 Rhode Islanders declare Portuguese heritage.
Accepting his honour, Reed said: “Rhode Island has a vibrant Portuguese community, and I am grateful to the many Rhode Islanders of Portuguese heritage who have shared their talents, traditions and culture to help make our state a better place. I am honoured to accept this award on their behalf and will continue working to strengthen the strategic partnership between our two great nations.”
