World EXPO
Written by Michael Botelho
Then Deputy Commissioner General / Operations Director of Expo 98
“I have always said that I am 100% percent Portuguese and 100% American” -Tony Coelho
The true heart of any person lies somewhere in between his childhood, his ethnicity, those early markers of culture, and what he desires, in his future, to change, to improve upon, to enrich. And what he acquires through his life experience, through the culture he grows up and develops in.
Tony has always identified with his Portuguese heritage, his families farming roots, and the lessons he learned on the meaning of a hard day’s work, of responsibility, of helping members of his family and his community. But he has also lived through the quintessential American experience combining his early formative years with the very American traits of optimism, ingenuity, and the desire for individual rights and progress.
with disabilities, Tony was named Commissioner General of the US pavilion in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1997.
Based on his rich cultural heritage, his personal journey and his years
of dedication to public service and advocacy for the rights of individuals
Expo 98, officially known as the 1998 Lisbon World Exposition, was held in Lisbon, Portugal, from May 22 to September 30, 1998. The exposition celebrated the theme "The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future” highlighting the importance of the world’s oceans and maritime heritage. This theme was chosen to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India.
As Commissioner General Tony developed a strategy to raise support, and the funds necessary, to shape the theme, design, content and messaging for the US Pavilion at the Exposition. Working closely with his staff, and ad-hoc Scientific and Educational Advisory Boards, Tony tapped the nation’s expertise across public and private sectors. The finished Pavilion was a tribute to the U.S. commitment and leadership in oceanic research, marine technology,
and conservation of the oceans and its inhabitants.
During the Expo Tony also established the Luso-American Wave Foundation that raised funds and constructed a permanent memorial on the Expo grounds, in the shape of a breaking wave, standing 8.5 feet high and 60 feet long. Designed by Stephen Frietch and Steven Spurlock the Wave symbolizes the link between the United States and Portugal and commemorates the immigrants, and future U.S. born generations that trace their heritage to Portugal.
Over the course of the exposition the U.S. pavilion hosted over 500,000 visitors, and held events, concerts, and activities hi-lighting the rich diversity of the nation and its people.
Tony’s leadership, vision and appreciation of his rich cultural heritage contributed to a highly successful U.S. participation at Expo 98. The U.S. Pavilion was a key attraction and contributed to the overall success of the exposition, leaving a lasting impression on visitors from around the world. Read the World EXPO U.S. Pavilion's Final Report here.
As a first generation American I am fortunate to share Tony’s cultural heritage and am humbled by the privilege and honor to have worked with Tony during Expo 98. On behalf of the many immigrants of Portuguese descent who call Tony a friend, “obrigado” for representing all of us in your great successes and your commitment to assisting and improving the lives of your fellow citizens.
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* During his time as Commissioner General of the US, Tony met with many visitors, including luminaries such as US Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and blues music great B.B. King. (Both are pictured above and Justice O'Connor's thank you note can be seen here.)​​