Events
Commemorating Independence and Freedom
Sao Paulo | July 1, 2011
Consul General Kelly, Ambassador Shannon and Deputy Chief of Mission Todd Chapman
Sao Paulo U.S. Marine detachment presented the colors
In a festive atmosphere befitting the United States' 235th birthday, the U.S. Consulate General in Sao Paulo hosted its largest 4th of July celebrations ever at the American Chamber of Commerce. Over 600 guests graced the event from all sectors of Sao Paulo's society - political, social, cultural, media, legal, educational and entertainment. Consul General Kelly addressed attendees, stating that "we have many reasons to be confident in the future of relations between our two countries, one being the increase in trips by Brazilians to the U.S. and the other the strong economic relations between our two countries." Ambassador Shannon and the new Deputy Chief of Mission Todd Chapman joined CG Kelly in welcoming the guests and various dignitaries, including Mayor Gilberto Kassab, Senator Eduardo Suplicy, Congressman Arlindo Chinaglia and Congressman Mendes Thame. In a taped video message, President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton thanked overseas staff for their hard work and affirmed our partnerships with host governments throughout the world.
This year the Consulate presented for the first time the "Ambassador's Award" to three people who embody the best values of our bilateral relationship - Carlos Henrique de Brito Cruz, Scientific Director for the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) for innovation; Marilena Fernandes, Coordinator at Associação Alumni, for education; and Sister Angela Mary of the Congregação das Irmãs da Santa Cruz for helping disadvantaged youth in Sao Paulo. In addition, Dow and Walmart were honored for being selected as Brazil nominees for the Secretary of State's Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE).
The Sao Paulo U.S. Marine detachment presented the colors and guests had the opportunity to see an exhibit of thirteen U.S. Presidents' visits to Brazil from Theodore Roosevelt to Barack Obama. To top off the festivities, an outstanding jazz band from the Souza Lima Academy provided entertainment while guests were treated to authentic American fare including mini-hamburgers, hot dogs, muffins and cookies.