US celebrates 241 years of independence

US Ambassador Sung Kim hosted his first “Fourth of July” celebration in the Philippines at the Makati Shangri-La Ballroom last Thursday with Executive Secretary Bingbong Medialdea as special guest.

The event was well attended, with close to a thousand guests that included Vice President Leni Robredo, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and National Security Adviser Jun Esperon filling the ballroom.

Also celebrated as Independence Day, the Fourth of July commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 that separated the first 13 US states from Great Britain. In the Philippines, July 4th is also observed as Fil-American Friendship Day.

In his remarks, Ambassador Kim said that despite skepticism about the US, he is “deeply proud of this great nation…that stands for values and principles. It is also a country that stands by its friends — and among America’s friends, the Philippines has a very, very special place,” the Ambassador stated.

Admitting that he could not contain his enthusiasm about being here in the Philippines, Ambassador Kim said he loves everything about the country — except the traffic, drawing laughter from the guests.

The American envoy noted the 71 years of friendship between the Philippines and the US and what it means to both nations and their peoples. He also reiterated “the deep commitment of the US to its alliance with the Philippines,” adding that America stands by the Armed Forces of the Philippines as the troops courageously fight terrorism to keep this country safe.

“We are proud to support President Duterte’s determination to secure and rebuild Marawi,” Ambassador Kim also declared. - Photos by Ramon Joseph J. Ruiz