ON THE 39th year of the Filipino-American Friendship Day, the United States government vowed to help the country under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.
In his speech during the celebration at the US Embassy in Manila, US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas noted that America will continue to do what it has been doing in the past.
"Great things are possible, but hard work lies ahead. We stand ready, as a friend, to assist," said Thomas.
He said that the US government is hoping that the friendship between the two countries would continue for another four decades.
"My goal as Ambassador is to broaden our community of friendship with Filipinos. There is no better time than now, the enduring friendship between our two countries, may it flourishes forever," said Thomas.
Every July 4, the Philippines commemorates the liberation of the country by joint Filipino and American forces from the Japanese occupation at the end of World War II in 1946.
Before 1971, the country celebrates its Independence Day on July 4 but was transferred to June 12 by then President Diosdado Macapagal.
The Filipino-American Friendship Day was created in its place and is coinciding with the Independence Day of the USA. (GAN/Sunnex)