| Seat of the Azorean Government |
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| Arrival at Santana Palace |
Of the original 18 Azoreans from that historical journey in 1953, only eight are still living in Canada. As a humble tribute to these men and their spouses, the Government of the Azores offered them an all expense trip to visit the islands in late 2003. The date was set from the 14th to the 22nd of November. The Pearson International Airport in Toronto was their meeting place. Several of the men had not seen each other since that voyage back in '53.
| The Presidential Hall |
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| Ceremony in Main Hall |
They arrived in St. Michael's Island on the morning of November 15 via SATA, the Azores' airline carrier. We were driven to our hotel which was the newly converted Sao Miguel Park Hotel. We rested several hours and then a tribute in honour of the pioneers took place with the President, Dr. Carlos Cesar at the presidential palace.
| President CARLOS CESAR |
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| Speech praising the pioneers & families |
Later that evening, an exhibit of historical photographs of immigration was inaugurated at the Conceicao Palace with all the pioneers present, including the president, other dignitaries and media. Following the exhibit, a dinner was offered, courtesy of the Azorean Government.
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| Posing with the President |
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| Pioneers & Spouses on Palace steps |
| At Conceicao Palace |
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| Pioneer Photo Exhibit by Humberta Araujo |
| Main Hall of Conceicao Palace |
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| Dinner with Dignitaries & Pioneers |
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