April 16, 2004
U.S. honors WWII heroes on Bataan Day
U.S. embassy Chargé d’Affaires Joseph Mussomeli
lays a wreath at the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) on Mt.
Samat in Bataan Province during the April 7 ceremony commemorating the
bravery of U.S. and Filipino soldiers in World War II. “These
heroes,” he said in his remarks, “had no rest, no reinforcements,
no extra supplies. They battled not just a well equipped and well-trained
adversary, but disease, hunger, and hopelessness. As soldiers and prisoners,
they watched their comrades fall. Yet they never surrendered their dedication
to duty and devotion to family and country.”
Related link: Chargé d’Affairs
Mussomeli’s remarks at the Battan Day ceremony
The Chargé laid the wreath with Philippine President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (right) and Japanese Embassy Chargé d’Affaires
Akio Egawa (in dark suit, partly shown beside President Arroyo). Philippine
National Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita (middle) joined them in the
ceremony.
(Left to right:) Chargé Mussomeli, Defense Secretary Ermita,
President Arroyo, Bataan Province Governor Leonardo B. Roman, and Japanese
Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Egawa stand at attention the
parade of colors. Chargé Mussomeli described the U.S., the Philippines,
and Japan as “no longer enemies, but closest of friends…and
the strongest of allies.”
“Today, we enjoy the fruits of liberty that our countrymen fought
so hard to ensure,” Chargé Mussomeli said in his remarks.
“As we look around us we see friendship, peace, and prosperity
that our forefathers never thought imaginable. Three nations –
no longer enemies, but closest of friends -- stand together as sovereign
nations and the strongest of allies. And because of our memories of
Bataan, we cannot walk away from our shared commitment to people everywhere
who seek freedom and justice. On behalf of the United States, let me
take this fitting occasion to thank our two allies, the Philippines
and Japan, for continuing to stand with us to help preserve freedom
in the world and to work with us to make a better, more tolerant world
for everyone.”
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