American Cemetery Memorial Service

Each Memorial Day, a service is held to honor the soldiers who fought in the conflict.  

At the conclusion of World War II, enemies of freedom were defeated following a

 tremendous sacrifice of life. Many call the veterans of World War II the greatest 

generation because of the magnitude and ferocity of the war and the sacrifice that

 was made in order to achieve freedom.The Philippines suffered as much as any country. 

They were drawn into the war 10 hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor as the Japanese 

launched a surprise attack on the Philippines. The American-Philippine forces were

 compelled to surrender in April 1942.What followed is remembered by all as the 

Bataan Death March where over 10,000 men died. The nation suffered tremendous 

destruction and loss of life during the war. American forces under the command of

General Douglas MacArthur landed in Leyte on October 20, 1944.  The liberation of the 

Philippines then began. Fighting was fierce.  Americans and Filipino guerrilla forces 

 suffered great losses. The Philippines was finally freed on September 2, 1945 when 

a formal surrender was signed by the Japanese which ended World War II.

The sun shone brightly on the morning of the 26th of May as people, 

young and old alike, converged at the Manila American Cemetery in

Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, to celebrate Memorial Day. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offered a wreath of flowers,

 along with other organizations, in respect for the heroes who sacrificed their

 lives for faith and freedom. Hadlocks, DuPaixs, Baileys, Frenches and Tenneys.

Our good friends the Ferrins, the McAllisters, and Alex and Shantel, 

the summer legal interns.

Men and women veterans of the war, wrinkled with age, stood proudly alongside

 ambassadors, government and military personnel, and representatives from various 

organizations to remember the fallen.

The Philippine Army Band enthusiastically played military marches and at the 

conclusion of the service played taps to a hushed crowd. 

The Honor Guard then gave a 21 gun salute.

Mayor Lim, who we met recently, was there to honor his own father who 

fought and died in the war.

This sweet little native was rescued by American soldiers. He and his wife are in their 90's.

Ambassador Thomas, Dallin Windsor, 

a brand new Life Scout, and Elder DuPaix

 Dignitaries and ambassadors from Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and other countries attended the service.  American Ambassador Harry R. Thomas Jr. presented a wreath and gave a Memorial Day message honoring those American and Philippine soldiers who served their countries.

The Ambassador from New Zealand with Elder DuPaix who served 

his first mission there.

 

Elder and Sis. Hull on their last day of their mission.

We were very touched by these words from our own Public Affairs Director:

Haidi Fajardo (Philippines) reflected, “Both of my grandfathers fought during the war. 

Lolo (grandfather) Kikoy was a guerilla leader who had to escape to Bohol at one time

 since my grandmother had to give birth to my mother and the Japanese army was

 pursuing them.My other Lolo, Col. Dominico Flores, died as he fought against the 

Japanese leaving my dad and his seven other siblings fatherless. The Memorial Day 

is very meaningful to me because of my grandfathers’ stories of valor and sacrifice. 

Alongside the Americans, they offered their lives for freedom. When I saw the veterans

 last Sunday, both Americans and Filipinos, standing side by side just like the old days, 

a deep sense of patriotism swelled within me and my heart goes out to those who fought 

 valiantly. The Memorial day was a beautiful, solemn and sacred affair."