On the occasion, Gersy Pegado, the group's representative, highlighted that the work developed by the group over the years is deeply satisfying and remains vibrant and important to this day, adding that the award represents recognition at the highest level, which brings great happiness to the group.
"Naturally, we all make efforts in this sense and achieving this feat is a profound satisfaction for us", said Pegado, who, in statements to Angop, applauded this initiative.
"It is also an acknowledgement that there are several trenches in our society where each of us can make our contribution. We represent here true contributors to the development of our country, both in social and economic terms. Therefore, this distinction is a source of immense joy", she concluded.
Tuneza was another of the group honored by the President of the Republic. On the occasion, Orlando Kikuassa, the comedy group's representative, thanked the gesture.
"I believe that everyone yearns to be honored with a distinction of this magnitude, especially in celebration of the 50th anniversary of our independence. We know the dedication of our elders in the conquest of our freedom, a fundamental milestone," he said, adding: "Words seem insufficient, since many who have already passed on would like to be present at this moment."
"We grew up in places with few opportunities, but we managed to forge our own paths. This day is memorable and will be engraved in our collective memory, as a group, forever. I thank the organization, from the first individual who believed in us, and also the President of the Republic, for this honor," he said.
The Banda Maravilha is also among those honored this Wednesday. Moreira Filho, bassist and one of the group's co-founders, said that this recognition was "gratifying."
"It is gratifying when what we do is recognized and it makes us want to continue even more. Here, let's say, we have rewarded the consistency, the constancy of your participation in culture," he said.
The long list of recipients also includes the name of Adjany Costa, environmentalist and former Minister of Culture, Tourism and Environment, who considered that the distinction represents not only her generation but all the others before her who paved the way to the present day: "This distinction represents everything, not only for my generation, but for all the generations before me, who paved the way so that today we can contribute in the way we do. It is a great honour".
"This honour is not just for me. It is for the work I do, focused on the environment and the preservation of biodiversity. It is a sign that there is interest and appreciation for these causes and an incentive for us to continue doing our best", said the environmentalist, quoted by Angop.
According to Angop, the Algerian colonel and diplomat Mokhtar Kerkeb was also awarded the honour. The honour was awarded posthumously, with the medal being received by the colonel's daughter, Djazia Kerkeb.
"Thank you very much. I am very happy and proud", she said.
"My father was in Angola in 1969, during the liberation struggle, providing advice to the MPLA. He was a close friend of António Agostinho Neto", she added.
The widow of Army General Agostinho Fernandes Nelumba, former Chief of the General Staff of the Angolan Armed Forces, also expressed "a deep sense of gratitude for the public recognition of her late husband".
Quoted in a statement from CIPRA, to which VerAngola had access, Laurinda Nelumba said it was "an honour".
"It is an honour and we feel grateful for this recognition, for the deeds that Agostinho Fernandes Nelumba achieved, because after all he dedicated his entire life to the cause of the country, he joined the Armed Forces very early and in his life he knew no other profession than that of military science. Therefore, it is an honour and we are grateful for this recognition", she said.
The FAPLA-Povo Alliance group was also honoured. "On behalf of the group, Hildebrando Cunha, director of the now-defunct group, formed in the 1960s with 20 members, including Urbano de Castro, David Zé and Artur Nunes, who have all passed away, received the medal," the note reads.
"The group was created to encourage the troops during the guerrilla period. After independence, it also began to encourage the troops in military units and regions, and beyond. Today's recognition is, let's say, a rediscovery of all the role played by the Alliance," the official said.
On Wednesday, more than 300 personalities were decorated, and the decorations will continue this Thursday.
"The third ceremony, which will take place in Luanda until tomorrow, July 3, paid tribute to Angolan children and began with a cultural moment led by several children who sang the national anthem and treated the audience to national and African folklore, among others," the CIPRA note reads.
A total of 654 personalities will be decorated in this third phase of awards.
