As part of the commemoration of the liberation of the Philippines during WWII, U.S. Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg participated in the Government of Leyte's annual remembrance ceremony of U.S. Army General Douglas MacArthur’s October 20, 1944 Leyte Gulf Landing, marking the 70^th anniversary of that landing.

  Ambassador Goldberg joined President of the Philippines Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III and representatives from five other Embassies (Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom) to commemorate all the patriots who fought so valiantly to liberate the Philippines.

  During the soldierly greetings, Ambassador Goldberg said, "The images of that day still inspire us and serve as a reminder of our enduring friendship, as do the words of General MacArthur from seventy years ago on Red Beach, 'We have come, dedicated and committed.'  It is these words that embody the long history of solidarity that has always existed between the Philippines and the United States."

  The President and each Ambassador or Embassy representative laid a wreath, observed a moment of silence, and then listened to the playing of Taps, the solemn musical notes signifying the extinguishing of lights.    

  Ambassador Goldberg concluded his speech with, "As I look into the 21st century, I know it will be filled with challenges and uncertainties.  But when we examine our [U.S.-Philippines] shared history and our victories, when we consider the values that underlie our relationship - courage, mutual respect, and freedom - there can be no doubt, by working together we will meet any challenge, no matter how great."