Philippines-US relations a legacy of shared sacrifices – envoy

MANILA, Philippines — Today’s good military relations between the Philippines and the United States stem from how veteran soldiers of both forces fought together and made sacrifices during the Second World War, according to US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson.

The envoy said the partnerships of today are a legacy of what happened decades ago in Bataan.

“The US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty, Visiting Forces Agreement and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement are the modern-day legacy of the shared sacrifice borne by our veterans,” she said yesterday.

“They provide a foundation for day-to-day collaboration on shared security priorities,” Carlson said in her remarks at a Veterans Day ceremony at the American Cemetery in Taguig.

“Today, we gather here, at the American Cemetery in Manila, to remember the American and Filipino soldiers who fought side by side on Corregidor, to defend Bataan and to liberate Manila. We remember the Bataan Death March, where 75,000 prisoners of war trekked 65 miles under brutal conditions and where 9,000 Filipinos and 1,000 Americans lost their lives,” she said.

Carlson said both the US and the Philippines acknowledge the great sacrifices made by allied forces in the Philippines and across the globe “and extend our deep appreciation to them this Veterans Day, known in other countries as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day.”

She noted that last month, she joined President Marcos to mark the 78th anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landing where General Douglas MacArthur stated on his return to Leyte, “We have come, dedicated and committed.”

“These words resonate today and embody the strong ties between our two nations as dedicated friends, partners and allies who are committed to securing a free, open, prosperous and secure world,” she said.

While in Leyte, Carlson said she was honored to present the US Congressional Gold Medal to 30 living Filipino World War II veterans – ages 98 to 103 – and to the family of one posthumous veteran.

“It was inspiring to hear their stories and to commemorate their remarkable service. I will always remember the ceremony as one of the highlights of my nearly 40-year career,” she said.

In her speech, she thanked Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Lt. General Bartolome Vicente Bacarro and Lt. General William Jurney of the US military for the successful completion of Exercise Kamandag.

“We look forward in 2023 to Exercise Balikatan, the largest joint US-Philippine military exercise ever and to nearly 500 planned military engagements over the course of the next year. Our alliance continues to strengthen, even as the challenges in the Indo-Pacific and in the world grow more complex,” she said.

“As I look across this beautiful, sacred ground, I would also like to honor those service members who paid the ultimate price. And to recognize and thank the American Battle Monuments Commission for meticulously maintaining this beautiful shrine,” she added.

According to her, US President Joe Biden “reminds us that our nation’s ‘most sacred obligation’ is to prepare and equip the troops we send into harm’s way, and to care for them and their families when they return home.”

Carlson said the Manila Veterans Affairs Regional Office and Outpatient Clinic, the only foreign office for veterans affairs, honors this commitment as it expands benefits and health care services for veterans.

“This Veterans Day, we take time to remember and celebrate those who have served. We also mourn those who lost their lives and reach out to those who may still be struggling to heal, even decades later,” she said.

“Our veterans left us an important legacy in the form of a strong alliance that has helped to create peace and prosperity in the region. As we reflect on this legacy, let us also remember that each veteran has a story. Let us take the time, not only to thank them, but to learn their stories. And in doing so, to honor them and lend a helping hand if needed,” she said.

“To all our veterans – thank you for your service, your heroism, your courage, your commitment and for the example you set for all of us. On behalf of the US embassy, I wish everyone a Happy Veterans Day.”