Memorial Day 2018: Honoring the fallen
US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Michael
Klecheski led the Memorial Day ceremony at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Fort Bonifacio recently. Defense Secretary Delfin
Lorenzana, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as well as representatives of civic, military and veterans organizations took part in the solemn occasion held in cooperation with the American Association of the Philippines.
All over the United States, Memorial Day — the 150th this year — is celebrated with parades and festivities, as well as the planting of flags in cemeteries, to remember and honor the brave American men and women who sacrificed their lives to uphold liberty and freedom.
This special day traces its beginnings from a holiday known as “Decoration Day” where the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers killed during the American Civil War are decorated. The holiday eventually came to celebrate and honor not only those who died during the American Civil War but all the military men and women who perished in America’s wars. Across the US, Memorial Day is also celebrated with flag planting at cemeteries and parades.
In the Philippines, Memorial Day also honors the Filipinos who fought side by side with American soldiers to defend shared values of freedom and democracy. The Manila American Cemetery, where the solemn ceremony is always held, serves as the final resting place for over 17,000 Americans, Filipinos and other nationals who served with US Forces in the Pacific Front during World War II.
During the program, members of the Philippine Army and the United States Marine Corps presented the colors, while the Philippine Army Band played the national anthems of the Philippines and the US, serving as significant reminders of the strong and enduring bond between both nations and their people.