WATCH: 80th anniversary of the liberation of Manila
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson led the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Manila, vowing to continue honoring the extraordinary sacrifices of World War II heroes buried at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.
In a solemn ceremony last Feb. 22, Carlson said that the “hallowed grounds of the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial remind us of the extraordinary sacrifices made by so many during one of the most harrowing chapters of our nations’ shared history.”
The cemetery is the largest outside of the US, with a total of 16,859 graves. The majority of the fallen heroes died during WWII operations in New Guinea and the Philippines. The white crosses that serve as headstones are arranged in 11 plots, forming a generally circular pattern.
The US 7th Fleet Band performed the national anthems of the Philippines and the US during the ceremony. Four soldiers from both nations assisted Marcos and Carlson in the ceremonial wreath-laying ceremony, and the surviving Filipino and American WWII veterans were recognized during the program.
Philippine Scout
Amidst rows of white crosses and stars of David lie many Filipino heroes, including Sgt. Nicanor Marco, a Philippine Scout, who survived brutal fighting in Bataan and the Death March but died in Japanese captivity. He was buried in Plot B, Row 2, Grave 136, “a memorial to his personal sacrifice and the shared suffering that forged strong bonds between the United States and the Philippines,” said Carlson.
Marcos’ keynote speech reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to fostering stronger connections with the US and its other allies to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Peaceful path
Mr. Marcos was thankful for the country’s long-standing alliance with the US, which was strengthened as the two nations fought side by side during WWII. He mentioned that the country has consistently chosen to follow a peaceful path despite the challenges in the region and will remain committed to working with other nations through diplomacy, dialogue and cooperation.
“The Philippines, deeply familiar with the atrocities brought about by war between and among nations, has always chosen the path of peace, and I can assure all of you that we will continue to do so,” the President said.
‘Legacy of those who fought and suffered’
On behalf of the US, Carlson extended her “deepest gratitude to the people of the Philippines for your friendship and commitment to our alliance” that withstood for 80 years. “Together, let us strive to preserve the legacy of those who fought and suffered here by working toward a future defined by peace and the shared values of democracy and freedom,” said the ambassador.
Since WWII, the security landscape in the Indo-Pacific region has undergone a dramatic transformation amid China’s aggression in the South China Sea.
“The United States, the Philippines, and Japan now stand as partners—demonstrating that yesterday’s barriers can be overcome in the spirit of friendship and cooperation,” she said.
But Carlson said she was encouraged by the “growing number of like-minded partners who are playing key roles in our concerted effort to achieve our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific and a world where democratic freedoms can flourish.” With a report from Julie Aurelio
