Friday April 7, 2017
The wreath laying ceremony at the World War II Memorial, Washington, DC. (Photo Embassy of the Philippines)
Note: I can be seen (barely) in far background. It was a damn cold day for April 7 and luckily the rain held back. The wind was strong and we were all misted from the fountain in the center of the Memorial.
I participated in the 75th anniversary of the Bataan Death March with survivors, their families, and officials from the Embassy of the Philippines at the WWII Memorial April 7 in Washington DC. I am standing in far back as National Anthems were played, Colors Presented, and military officials saluted a wreath to the over 10,000 Filipino and over 1,000 American troops who died on the 7 day march with no food or water. Philippines was an American territory at the time and Congress recently awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the Filipino vets. Incredibly moving and inspiring ceremony. Great honor to shake the hands of three Filipino survivors, elderly but still strong in spirit and patriotism.
Jim Patterson
Life Member American Foreign Service Association
Member U.S. Philippines Society
JEPDiplomat@gmail.com
