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World War II Veterans Honored in Annual Rites in Bataan; Ambassador Lays Wreath

Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney lays a wreath at the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) on Mt. Samat, Bataan on April 9 in honor of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), the annual observance of the surrender of American and Filipino forces to the Japanese Imperial Army on April 9, 1942, and the start of the Bataan Death March.
World War II veterans and their family members talk with Ambassador Kenney after a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) on Mt. Samat, Bataan. Each year on April 9 both Filipino and American World War II veterans participate in ceremonies to honor Araw ng Kagitingan, the date of the surrender of American and Filipino forces to the Japanese Imperial Army. The Mt. Samat, Bataan, area saw one of the most vicious battles in the Pacific during World War II. The site is now marked by the Shrine of Valor, which includes a large white cross and a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Ambassador Kenney adds a new pin to the collection a World War II veteran keeps on his hat. The "flag pin" she gave the veteran shows crossed U.S. and Philippine flags, and honors the long friendship between the two nations. Ambassador Kenney spoke during the annual ceremony at the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) on Mt. Samat, Bataan to recognize veterans on April 9, the date of the surrender of American and Filipino forces to the Japanese Imperial Army.
Mr. Jon Skelly, who is the U.S. Embassy's Director, Department of Veterans Affairs, greets veterans attending the annual Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) ceremonies, which is the annual observance of the surrender of American and Filipino forces to the Japanese Imperial Army on April 9, 1942, and the start of the Bataan Death March. U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney attended the ceremonies, where she laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and gave brief remarks to remember those who gave their lives in the great cause of freedom.

Last Update :: 04/10/2007

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