American Association of the Philippines

Memorial Day 2007

May 27, 2007
Manila American Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig

The US Memorial Day was commemorated Sunday, May 27. A total of more than 400 guests came to the event. The event was a special time to remember our war heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom and in service to the country. It was a solemn day of reflection and prayers and a day of re-commitment that we shall not forget those who paid the highest for the freedom we now enjoy.

This event was co-hosted by the US Embassy, and the Embassy provided for the tents and chairs, printing of program, and light refreshments for the guests. Invitation letters to guests – which were delayed – were sent by the Embassy.

Elks Club provided for the food of the workforce. International SOS has again provided for stand-by ambulance. Coca Cola Far East provided bottled water and soft drinks.

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 the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. Both guests
gave their speeches. AAP Vice President Doyle Stout (on behalf of President Rowell) gave the opening remarks.
AAP Board Member Robert Lane was the Emcee.
A total of 22 wreaths were presented, with 6 embassies and more than 20 veterans and civic organizations joining us for the event.
We had the Invocation and Memorial Prayer from war veteran Rev. Kenneth Fuller of the 11th Airborne Division.

Our thanks to our event sponsors:

Armed Forces of the Philippines
American Chamber of Commerce
American Women’s Club of the Philippines
American Battle Monuments Commission (Superintendent Larry Adkinson and staff)
Coca Cola Far East Limited
International SOS
Mr. Robert Lane
Manila Lodge No. 761 B.P.O.E.

It was indeed a time of reflection and remembrance.

We would like to thank everyone who attended and shared this special moment with us.

Event’s Emcee AAP Board Member Bob Lane welcome the participants to this year’s ceremony	Joint Color Guard detail from the US Marine Corps and Phil. Army opened the Memorial Day ceremony.
Guests came to join in this solemn ceremony	AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. offered a wreath of behalf of the Philippine government.
US Ambassador Kristie Kenney with US Defense Representative Matt Velasco and US Defense and Air Attache Col. Bruce West.	AAP Vice President Doyle Stout offered a wreath for the ceremony.
Representatives from the American Chamber of Commerce and Filipino American Memorial Endowment, American Legion Phil. Dept., American Women’s Club of the Philippines, and American World War II Orphans Network (AWON)	Representatives from Boy Scouts of America, Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor, and the Girl Scouts of the Philippines.
AAP Vice President Doyle Stout welcomed guests and participants to the ceremony.	US Amb. Kristie Kenney delivered her Memorial Day message.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon delivered his Memorial Day message.	Guests braved the heat of the morning sun and came out to join us as we paid respect to our war heroes.
The Phil. Army Band and firing detail	US Amb. Kristie Kenney sponsored light refreshments for the guests.
US Amb. Kristie Kenney with AWON members who came all the way from the US to attend the ceremonies.	The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial offers a perfect backdrop for this year’s event.
The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial offers a perfect backdrop for this year’s event.