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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider US envoy: Remember fallen American, Filipino war heroes; uphold values they died for

US envoy: Remember fallen American, Filipino war heroes; uphold values they died for

Published May 25, 2025 03:47 pm
(Photo courtesy of the US Embassy in Manila)
(Photo courtesy of the US Embassy in Manila)
United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson has enjoined both Americans and Filipinos to remember the fallen war heroes by honoring and upholding the values they died for.
United States Ambassador Mary Kay Carlson, National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, and American Battle Monuments Commission Superintendent Ryan Blum lead the commemoration of the Memorial Day at the Manila American Cemetery on May 25, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the US Embassy in Manila)
United States Ambassador Mary Kay Carlson, National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, and American Battle Monuments Commission Superintendent Ryan Blum lead the commemoration of the Memorial Day at the Manila American Cemetery on May 25, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the US Embassy in Manila)
In her remarks during the Memorial Day ceremony at the Manila American Cemetery on Sunday, May 25, Carlson paid tribute to the Americans and Filipinos who fought side-by-side across the country in a campaign to liberate the Philippines.
This year's Memorial Day marked the 80th anniversary of the end of the 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," 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 ambassador enjoined the peoples of both nations to renew their commitment to the ideals the war heroes have served.
She encouraged them to never forget the price they paid for freedom.
"As we stand among these white marble markers, 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," the US envoy said.
"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," she added.
"And may we never forget the price they paid – here on these islands and across the world – so that others might live free," she went on.
The US envoy further said that the US-Philippines' sacrifices are not confined to the past as "they echo in every flag raised in every liberty defended, and in every act of unity between our two nations."
She added that the US-Philippine alliance, forged in war, lives on in peace.  
"As we face the uncertainties of our modern world, we are reminded on this solemn day that our strength comes from the character of those willing to give everything in the name of something greater," she said.
The Manila American Cemetery is the resting place of more than 17,000 service members. Over 36,000 more were never recovered and are listed on the walls of the missing.
Carlson said these heroes’ names etched in stone are among the foundation of the two countries' alliance.

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