U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson led a Veterans Day ceremony in Manila to pay tribute to American and Filipino military service members, both living and deceased and remember their contributions to freedom and democracy.
“Today, we gather here, at the American Cemetery in Manila, to remember the American and Filipino soldiers who fought side by side on Corregidor, to defend Bataan, and to liberate Manila. Our veterans left us an important legacy in the form of a strong alliance that has helped to create peace and prosperity in the region,”Ambassador Carlson said in her remarks.
“The U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty, Visiting Forces Agreement, and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement are the modern-day legacy of the shared sacrifice borne by our veterans. They provide a foundation for day-to-day collaboration on shared security priorities,” she added.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, senior U.S. defense official in the Philippines Col. Edward Evans, and American Battle Monuments Commission Secretary Charles Djou were also present at the ceremony alongside American and Filipino veterans, veteran service organizations, and members of the diplomatic corps.
“We gather with a common purpose: to pay homage to those, from all walks of life, who served their nation in uniform.” Secretary Djou said. “And on these beautiful grounds, we remember in particular those who fell in that service.”(VICTOR BALDEMOR RUIZ)
