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Decoration ceremony

President of the Republic honoured individualities and institutions concerned with Social Solidarity

The President of the Republic rendered tribute to a number of individualities and institutions concerned with Social Solidarity, in a ceremony held in the Palace of Belém, on the European Day of Solidarity and Cooperation between Generations.

With this tribute, President Cavaco Silva wished to distinguish individuals and institutions whose beneficial actions in favour of the more fragile members of our society has been fundamental for social cohesion in Portugal. The President addressed a speech during the ceremony.

The following individualities were decorated with different grades of the Order of Merit: Father Lino da Silva Maia (Grand Officer), Alfredo Castanheira Pinto, António José Martins Lopes, Luís Villas Boas and Manuel José Cardoso Matias (Commanders), and Albino Martins and Cláudia Martins (Officers).

Also distinguished, as Honorary Members of the Order of Merit, were the following institutions: Braga Child Care Association, Vila Franca de Xira Child Care Popular Association, Lucinda Anino dos Santos Social Aid Centre, Flourinhas (Flowers) do Vouga, Good Will Homes and Diocesan Centre for Social Promotion.