VZCZCXRO9914
OO RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM RUEHNH
DE RUEHML #2397 3210559
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 170559Z NOV 09
FM AMEMBASSY MANILA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5807
INFO RUCNASE/ASEAN MEMBER COLLECTIVE
RHHMUNA/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI

UNCLAS MANILA 002397 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL PGOV KPAO RP
SUBJECT:  EMBASSY MANILA HONORS VETERANS' SERVICE 
 
¶1.    SUMMARY:  In a Veterans Day ceremony at the Manila American 
Cemetery on November 11, Ambassador Kenney and guest speaker former 
Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos honored the service and 
sacrifice of U.S. and Filipino veterans.  In her remarks, the 
Ambassador noted the common sacrifices of both Filipinos and 
Americans in the struggle for freedom.  The event, attended by U.S. 
and Filipino veterans as well as senior Philippine government and 
military officials, received favorable coverage by the local media 
and highlighted the U.S.'s and Philippines' shared history and 
continuing commitment to the preservation of democracy.  END 
SUMMARY. 
 
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AMBASSADOR HONORS VETERANS' SERVICE AND SACRIFICE 
--------------------------------------------- ---- 
 
¶2.    The Ambassador paid tribute to the service of U.S. and 
Filipino veterans at the November 11 Veterans Day ceremony, held at 
the American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila.  Following the 
presentation of colors by an honor guard of U.S. Marines and 
Filipino soldiers, attendees participated in a moment of silence to 
remember the courage and sacrifice of our military men and women. 
Veterans in the audience stood and were recognized by the assembled 
audience of more than 700 guests.  During her remarks, the 
Ambassador expressed her thanks to both U.S. and Philippine 
veterans, and noted the strength of the two countries' ongoing 
partnership.  In addition, she hailed the service of Department of 
Veterans Affairs Manila (USDVA) employees for ensuring our country 
fulfills its commitment to those who serve, noting that at the 
USDVA, "every day is Veterans Day." 
 
--------------------------------------------- -------- 
RAMOS: SOLDIERS' BATTLES DON'T END ON THE BATTLEFIELD 
--------------------------------------------- -------- 
 
¶3.  In his remarks, former Philippine President Fidel Ramos -- a 
West Point graduate and distinguished veteran himself -- paid 
tribute to the "17,202 U.S. soldiers, sailors, and airmen who lie 
here; the largest concentration of America's war dead in World War 
II, among them many of Filipino blood and origin."  He also honored 
soldiers whose service did not end on the battlefield, stating: 
"Some say the most noble way to die is in battle, defending your 
country; but I say it is equally noble to drop dead peacefully, 
going about the normal business of life -- paying your taxes on 
time, voting in the next election."  He noted that old soldiers 
still have many battles left to fight, including "against injustice, 
bad governance, poverty and corruption." 
 
¶4.   The American Cemetery and Memorial welcomed over 700 attendees 
to this year's ceremony, including many World War II veterans who 
shrugged off the mid-day heat with moving tales of their survival of 
the Bataan Death March and Japanese internment camps.  The event 
highlighted the shared history between U.S. and Filipino veterans 
and received extensive, positive coverage by the local media. 
 
KENNEY