Hello everyone,

Preparations for FLAD’s anniversary began several months ago. We planned an open-door day to welcome the hundreds of people who have been part of the Foundation over the past 35 years. Unfortunately, the pandemic has imposed its conditions and today we cannot mark this date as desired.

But this 20th of May of 2020 deserves to be highlighted. Not only because the history of the Foundation must be celebrated, but because, more than ever, we must remain connected, united, in touch. Besides, overcoming distance is part of FLAD’s nature: whether it’s the distance of an ocean, a dream, or an idea that promises to advance the world.

The video we share today serves to remind us of each other, the paths that have already crossed at FLAD, and the importance that each one of you has had on this journey.

Our past is a motive of pride. I believe that the present and future will be too. Within this period, where we have reorganized our lives and our ways of communicating, FLAD has also redirected its activity by highlighting social intervention and the fight against COVID-19, but without forgetting its support to Science, Education, Culture, and Transatlantic Relations adapted to a new context.

Distance does not prevent us from continuing to reflect and debate ideas, so we will soon invite you to participate in our online conferences and to listen to our podcast. During these days, where limits are more pronounced, we will try to overcome them and continue to fulfill our mission: contribute to the development of Portugal through the relationship with the United States of America.

Wherever you are, thank you for being part of FLAD’s history and for helping us take Portugal even further. We are North and South. We are the Azores. We are California, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Even far away, we are together.

See you soon,

Rita Faden
President of FLAD