PINANGUNAHAN ni U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson ang ginanap na Veterans’ Day ceremony sa Maynila para bigyang-pugay ang mga American at Filipino military service members, mga yumao na at mga nalalabi pang buhay sa kanilang naging ambag sa kalayaan at demokrasya ng bansa.
“On Veterans Day, we honor American and Filipino service men and women still in uniform, those who have moved on to new opportunities outside of the military, and those who have passed. We owe you our freedom,” ani Ambassador Carlson.
“Next year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II – 80 years since Philippine and U.S. forces, shoulder to shoulder, succeeded in their fight to defend freedom and liberate the Philippines. Even before our 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, we fought together side by side. That bond of shared sacrifice by our veterans resonates through the decades and still animates our alliance in the form of ever-deepening security cooperation,” ayon pa kay Carlson .
Kasamang dumalo sa pagbibigay ng pagkilala ang mga beteranong sundalo ng Amerika at Pilipino, sina Department of National Defense Senior Undersecretary Irineo Espino, U.S. Embassy Defense Attaché Col. Edward Evans, at American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) Chairman at retired U.S. Army General Michael Garrett, kasama ang ilang veteran service organizations at members ng diplomatic corps.
“Veterans Day reminds us of the courage and dedication of all who have fought for peace and freedom, including the Filipino veterans who stood alongside American forces. The Department of National Defense, through the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, remains steadfast in our commitment to promote the welfare and wellbeing of our veterans. We remember their legacy so their courage could continue to inspire future generations,” ani Undersecretary Espino.
“The Manila American Cemetery is not only a sacred American space, but also Filipino soil honoring our shared history and shared sacrifice. To our Filipino hosts, including our friends and neighbors right here in Manila, and all who are among America’s oldest partners here in Asia, I want to thank you for allowing us to honor our fallen here on your land,” ayon naman kay ABMC Chairman Garrett.
Nasa 50 million kalalakihan at kababaihan ang nagsuot ng United States uniforms at nasa 20 million pa ang nanatiling nasa active service at sa nasabing bilang, mahigit 69,000 ay may dugong Pinoy na kumakatawan sa second-largest foreign-born U.S. veteran population susunod sa Mexico.
