The United States Memorial Day observance in Manila is annually commemorated by solemn ceremonies under the joint sponsorship of the AAP and the United Embassy’s Defense Attache Office. It is traditionally held at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Fort Bonifacio (formerly Fort McKinley) in Taguig.
The Cemetery and Memorial, 152 acres and the largest in area of the cemeteries built and maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission and the largest in number of graves and those missing in action, is a magnificent setting for this commemorative event.
Individual commemorative addresses from the Philippine and US government representatives highlight the brief 30-minute memorial program. Representatives of the Philippine, US and other nations, as well as officials from various Filipino and American civic and governmental organizations participate in wreath-laying ceremonies on the day, to honor heroes of past wars.
This community event, attended by both expat and local nationals, features activities for the entire family -both a Live and Silent Auction create fun for the parents, while other activities - a Raffle, Door Prizes, Games, a Children's Costume Parade (led by Uncle Sam!) to the beat of a Marching Band - with several kiddy Mascots taking part - gets everyone in the mood.
Food stalls, a mini-bazaar, and a kid's Patriotic Art Competition add more fun. The whole event culminates in a grand fireworks display. The 4th of July also coincides with the celebration of the Philippine-American Friendship Day.
The AAP doubles its efforts each year to make the 4th of July more fun-filled and action packed than the year before! As with the George Washington Ball, its aim is to raise funds for AAP's social welfare services. See you on the 4th!
Part of the mission of the AAP is to give Americans the opportunity to celebrate American patriotic observances and cultivate patriotic sentiments. 60 years ago, the date of George Washington’s birthday was set aside by AAP to honor him as a part of this mission. In the post WWII years, as the American community here was coming out of the devastation of WWII and the Philippines was a newly independent country, AAP’s founders saw a need for a grand celebration of the accomplishments of this venerable patriot.
The event holds the same patriotic mission today, but many exciting changes have also evolved through the years. The George Washington Birthday Celebration now includes a philanthropic aspect to the celebration. For many years now AAP has provided financial and material support for Americans in need, many of whom have been referred by the Embassy. Through the celebration, we are now able to raise funds in support of these charitable works. Through the years we have also seen this event become cross-cultural, with attendees from Filipino, American, and other foreign businesses as well as from the public and private sector. It is a celebration, not only of the contributions of a great American hero, but also of AAP and its accomplishments.
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