U.S., Philippines celebrate 60th anniversary of
Cabanatuan Raid

(Above:) U.S. Ambassador Francis J. Ricciardone (left) and Philippine Presidential Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita (right) stand at attention as a military band plays the Philippine and U.S. national anthems during the January 30 program commemorating the 60th anniversary of a successful raid that freed 516 prisoners of war detained in a Japanese army camp in Cabanatuan City. “Our partnership runs deep, as we see today and as we remember today,” said Ambassador Ricciardone (left) in his remarks. “It is based on common values, shared institutions, a love of freedom, and the blood shed together.”

 

(Above:) Major General Karl W. Eikenberry (right), Director for Strategic Planning and Policy of the U.S. Pacific Command, shares a thought with Nueva Ecija Governor Tomas Joson III during the January 30 program. (Right:) Filipino war veteran Jimenez Palara of Laur, Nueva Ecija meets a member of the U.S. Army Ranger. (Below:) Philippine Senator Richard Gordon delivers his remarks during the program and meets Hampton Sides, award-winning author of the Ghost Soldiers.

 

	Philippine Scout Rangers and U.S. Army Scout Rangers honor guards parade the colors as Major Ted Schjoth (right) of the Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group introduces them.

 

	Ambassador Ricciardone and Secretary Ermita offer wreaths at the shrine for the heroes of the 1945 Cabanatuan Raid.

 

Ambassador Ricciardone poses for a photo with the principal guests and 296th U.S. Army Band. Front row, from left: Mrs. Kate Gordon; Major General Karl W. Eikenberry of PACOM, Japanese Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki; Ambassador Francis Ricciardone; Nueva Ecija Governor Tomas Joson III; and Presidential Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.