American Association of the Philippines

Today is

Unit 601, Erechem BuildingSalcedo corner V.A. Rufino StreetsLegaspi Village, Makati CityTel. +632-892-5198/ 892-2510Fax. +632-867-1689

Memorial Day 2006

May 28, 2006

Manila American Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig

The US Memorial Day was commemorated Sunday, May 28. This was the first time the ceremony was on a Sunday, in an aim to invite more guests from the local community.

Highlights of the event were:

The Phil. Army Security and Escort Battalion provided the Color Guard (with US Marines), the Firing Detail, and music (including echo taps) for the event.
The US Embassy was represented by US Ambassador Kristie Kenney and the Philippine government was represented by Malacañang’s Presidential Assistant for Veterans Affairs Jesus Terry Adevoso. Both guests gave their speeches. AAP President Glendon Rowell gave the opening remarks. AAP Board Member Robert Lane was the Emcee.
A total of 31 wreaths were presented, with 16 embassies and more than 50 veterans and civic organizations joining us for the event. More than 400 people attended.

We had the Invocation from Fr. James Reuter (Catholic Church and also a war survivor) and Rev. Kenneth Fuller gave the Memorial prayer.

Our thanks to our event sponsors:

American Women’s Club of the Philippines

Philippine Army Band – Security and Escort Battalion

American Battle Monuments Commission

(Superintendent Larry Adkison and staff)

Mrs. Holly Reines

American Chamber of Commerce

Santa Fe Moving and Relocation

Bamban Historical Society

US Embassy Community Liaison Office

Coca Cola Far East Limited

US Embassy Facilities Maintenance Office

Girl Scouts of America

United States Embassy Protocol Office

International SOS

United States Embassy Public Affairs Office

Joint United States Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG)

United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Manila Lodge No. 761 B.P.O.E.

United States Marine Corps

Joint Color Guard detail from the US Marine Corps and Phil.

Army opened the Memorial Day ceremony.

War survivor Fr. James Reuter delivered the Invocation.

Malacañang’s Presidential Assistant for Veterans Affairs Jesus Terry Adevoso presented a wreath on behalf of the Philippine government.

US Ambassador Kristie Kenney presented a wreath for the US Government

AAP President Glendon Rowell presenting a wreath

Representatives from civic organizations with their respective wreaths.

US Ambassador Kristie Kenney delivered her Memorial Day message.

Click here for full transcript of her speech.

Mr. Adevoso delivering the speech on behalf of Philippine President

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

World War II survivor from the 11^th Airborne Division Rev. Kenneth Fuller offered a Memorial Prayer.

National Moment of National Remembrance with Harrison Reines and

Matisse Codiñera.

Dignitaries and members of the Diplomatic Corps graced the occasion.

Representatives from veterans organizations and government

organizations also joined the ceremony.

An estimated 400 guests went to the Manila American Cemetery to

participate in this solemn memorial.

The Philippine Army Band provided music during the ceremony.

Philippine Army’s Taps and Firing Detail for the Ceremonial Salute

Guests braved the morning sun, and came out to join us as we pay

respects to our heroes.

War veterans posed after the solemn ceremony

Wreaths were lined up at the Chapel area

AAP beneficiaries helped in the setup and logistics support for the

Memorial Day – with AAP Manager Shirley Fajarito and AAP Social Worker Agnes Matienzo. With acknowledgement to the American Battle Monuments Commission in Manila for the photos provided.

Copyright 2005 American Association of the Philippines. All rights reserved.
For general inquiries or comments, please e-mail shirley@americanassociationphilippines.org.
For website technical concerns, please e-mail webmaster@sclsoftwaresolutions.com.