On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 2014, U.S. Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg, along with senior members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines paused to honor the military members of both nations at a Veterans Day ceremony at Manila’s American Cemetery.

Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr. Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, provided the keynote address. He emphasized the contribution of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II and the strong relations between the two countries.

Speaking to the assembled audience, which included Filipino and U.S. veterans, members of the U.S. Embassy community and invited guests, Ambassador Goldberg said, “every day I am reminded of the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. Each day I pass the Embassy flagpole which still bears the bullet-marks from the Battle of Manila.  My travels in the Philippines have underscored the close relationship we share as I have visited the Bataan Peninsula where 78,000 Filipino and American soldiers marched, many to their deaths. I recently traveled to Leyte for the Liberation of the Philippines 70th Anniversary where General Douglas MacArthur returned to unshackle the Philippines.  The soldiers of our two countries have worked side by side in wars, in peacetime and in disasters. The latter is particularly poignant this year, as we mark the one year anniversary of Typhoon Yolanda.” 

The observance also included a ceremonial wreath laying, drum rolls, 21 gun salute and taps.

  Veterans Affairs Manila was a co-sponsor of the ceremony. For 92 years Veterans Affairs has had a presence in Manila and their Manila office is the only Veterans’ Affairs office located outside of the United States, a testament to the close historical ties between our two countries.  As an integral part of the U.S. Mission to the Philippines, VA Manila partners with its Philippine counterparts and the many Veterans Service Organizations to serve veterans who have served both our