In a poignant moment under the strong light of the late afternoon, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, with a slightly tilted head, kissed one of the quinas of the Portuguese flag. This act, witnessed by hundreds of onlookers, symbolized the official end of the celebrations for his last Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities as President of the Republic.
The flag had just been lowered by six cadets from the Military Academy to the sound of the national anthem and handed over to the head of state. Marcelo admitted this last celebration was 'very, very significant', reflecting on his decade-long tenure. He shared, 'The advantage of leaving gently is that one gradually overcomes nostalgia and longing.'
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