Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
08MANILA2587 | 2008-11-21 07:48:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Manila |
VZCZCXRO6385 OO RUEHCHI RUEHCN RUEHDT RUEHHM DE RUEHML #2587 3260748 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 210748Z NOV 08 FM AMEMBASSY MANILA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2476 INFO RUEHZS/ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS RHHMUNA/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI |
UNCLAS MANILA 002587 |
1. SUMMARY: During a dignified ceremony at the Manila American Cemetery on November 11 commemorating Veterans Day, the Ambassador paid tribute to the service of U.S. and Filipino veterans praising their patriotism and sacrifice. During her remarks, the Ambassador expressed thanks for the veterans' service, emphasizing the strong continued friendship between the U.S. and the Philippines. The Ambassador, along with Philippine cabinet member Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, commemorated both countries' veterans, laying a wreath at the cemetery's memorial wall. The ceremony closed with a solemn rendition of taps, and the retirement of the colors by an honor guard of U.S. and Filipino soldiers. The event, attended by U.S. and Filipino veterans as well as senior Philippine officials, received positive coverage by the local media and highlighted the shared history between U.S. and Filipino veterans. END SUMMARY. -------------------------- AMBASSADOR HONORS VETERANS, PRAISES SERVICE -------------------------- 2. The Ambassador honored the service of U.S. and Filipino veterans, lauding their patriotism and sacrifice at the November 11 Veteran's Day Ceremony, held at the American Cemetery in Manila. Following the presentation of colors and the national anthems, a moment of silence was held to pay respect to the fallen and to remember the end of the First World War. The ceremony then began with a heartrending moment, when the dozens of Filipino and American veterans present in the audience were asked to stand and be recognized for their service as a personal tribute and expression of gratitude. During her remarks, the Ambassador highlighted the strong relationship between the U.S. and the Philippines, and expressed her thanks to the veterans for their service. She praised the response of Philippine peacekeepers in Haiti, who recently rescued children in the aftermath of a school collapse, and expressed her deep admiration for all veterans and her gratitude for their service by saying, "our thanks will never be enough, but let this ceremony be a tribute." 3. Citing the recent U.S. presidential election, the Ambassador said that the sacrifices of our veterans, including those buried in the American cemetery, ensured the preservation of the democratic principles, such as our right to vote and elect our leaders, which we enjoy today. At the conclusion of her remarks, the Ambassador and Philippine Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita participated in a wreath laying. The cemetery provided a poignant backdrop to an event, which also honored U.S. and Filipino veterans present in the audience. With over 17,000 interred soldiers, the Manila American Cemetery is the largest U.S. cemetery overseas, and many of the attending U.S. and Filipino servicemen had fought side by side with the fallen during World War II. The setting provided a true sense of history, connecting many of the attendees and highlighting the close ties between the U.S. and the Philippines. -------------------------- STRONG MUTUAL TIES, CONTINUED COOPERATION -------------------------- 4. Secretary Ermita's remarks echoed the Ambassador as he paid tribute to the service of U.S. and Filipino veterans. He praised the recent U.S. presidential elections, calling it a proud example of statesmanship and democracy. Ermita said the Philippine government welcomed the election of the President-elect and that the Philippine leadership looked forward to working with him and the United States on issues of mutual concern. He also expressed hope that the new administration would address the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act which would expand existing benefits to Filipino soldiers who fought alongside U.S. forces during World War II. He closed by saying that honoring both countries' veterans on this day represented a "common struggle for the preservation of democracy." As the senior representative for the Philippine government and Executive Secretary to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, his words were moving and served as a reminder to the audience of the personal connections that bind our two countries. 5. The well-attended ceremony not only presented an opportunity for U.S. and Filipino veterans to meet and reflect on past experiences, but also afforded the opportunity for officials from both nations to discuss issues of mutual importance. The event received positive coverage by the local media and highlighted the shared history between U.S. and Filipino veterans. |