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War veterans laid foundation for US-PH military alliance — envoy

Philippines | National

War veterans laid foundation for US-PH military alliance — envoy

By Joseph Pedrajas

United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson has expressed her gratitude to Filipino war veterans who have laid the foundation of the current military alliance between the Philippines and the US, which she said is stronger now than ever.

Carlson on Friday, Nov. 10, commemorated the annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, where she honored Filipino veterans who served during the World War II.

Among them was 107-year-old Valentine Untalan, who joined the Philippine resistance against Japanese invasion and served in the US Army.

"Mr. Untalan enlisted in the Philippine Scouts in 1941, joining them as they heroically resisted the Japanese invasion. The valiant stand of the Philippine Scouts is credited for having saved Australia and New Zealand from invasion," Carlson said.

"Mr. Untalan’s commitment to making the world a safer place didn’t end with his service in the Scouts. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army and became an American citizen. His service included 19 commendations for service, including during World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam," she added.

According to Carlson, Untalan's story embodies "the deep connection" between the Philippines and the US as friends, partners, and allies.

"Thanks to the foundation laid by veterans like Mr. Untalan, the U.S.-Philippine Alliance is stronger than ever," she added.

Carlson said it is only in the Philippines that the US has a Veterans Affairs office as Washington puts importance on its troops and their families.

The US envoy welcomed the war veterans who present at the commemoration of Veterans Day as she said their presence, their words of gratitude to active-duty troops and to Veterans, and their advocacy for them all, "reinforces the covenant between our nations and the people who protect and defend us."

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MaryKay Carlson War veterans

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