Honoring our vets

US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Brian Goldbeck and Defense Undersecretary and Philippine Veterans Affairs  Office chief Lt. Gen. Ernesto Carolina led the Veterans Day celebrations at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in honor of Filipino and American war veterans. Held every 11th of November, the ceremonies start exactly at 11 a.m., which is symbolic of the time of the signing of the armistice at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 — formally ending the hostilities during World War I.

Veterans Day also serves as a compelling reminder of the dedicated service and sacrifices of the soldiers who put their lives on the line especially in times of war to uphold the safety and freedom of the people. The parade of colors and a ceremonial wreathlaying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers are the highlights of the celebrations at the Manila American Cemetery that contains the remains of 17,201 Filipinos and Americans who perished during World War II.

 Photos by Ramon Joseph Ruiz