(L-R: U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKayCarlson, Secretary of Philippine National Defense Gilbert Teodoro, and American Battle Monuments Commission Superintendent Ryan Blum)
United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson led the recent Memorial Day ceremony at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, along with Philippine National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, and American Battle Monuments Commission Superintendent Ryan Blum.
Memorial Day is a U.S. holiday commemorated every year on the last Monday of May to honor the service, achievements, and sacrifice of fallen U.S. military service members.
This year’s Memorial Day also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of Second World War.
“Eight decades ago, Americans and Filipinos fought side-by-side across this country in a campaign to liberate the Philippines, restore freedom, and push back tyranny. Though they prevailed, many never returned home. Many rest here, and today, we honor them,” Ambassador Carlson said.
“In the darkest hours of the Second World War, Americans and Filipinos fought together – from Bataan to Leyte, from the jungles of Luzon to the heart of Manila. They endured unimaginable hardships: hunger, captivity, and bitter combat – but together, they resisted. Together, they liberated. Together, they gave hope by defeating tyranny,” she added.
The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial is seen as the place of shared sacrifice by more than 17,000 service members who now rest in solemn dignity. Over 36,000 more were never recovered and are listed on the walls of the missing. Ambassador Carlson stressed these heroes’ names are not only etched in stone, but also in the foundation of the US-PH alliance.
She noted US-PH sacrifices are not confined to the past. They echo in every flag raised, in every liberty defended, and in every act of unity between the two nations.
In closing, the Ambassador said, “Let us remember the fallen and renew our commitment to the ideals they served – duty, honor, country, and the unbreakable bond between the American and Filipino people. Let us remember them in silence or ceremony but also in how we live – in how we honor their legacy by upholding the values they died for: liberty, democracy, and peace.”
