PALO, Leyte - Rain marred the commemoration of the 65th Leyte Gulf Landings held here on Tuesday but this did not dampen the spirit of the celebrators who included President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and 10 of the oldest living World War II veterans in Eastern Visayas.
Some of the activities lined up pushed through when the sun was still up on Tuesday morning such as the flag raising and the wreath laying ceremonies with the President leading foreign dignitaries from Canada, Australia, Japan and the United States.
On October 20, 1944, the Allied Liberation Force led by General Douglas MacArthur landed on Red Beach here in Palo town, which signaled the start of the liberation campaign against the Japanese occupation forces in the Philippines.
The rain, however, poured while the dignitaries were giving their respective solidarity greetings and during the awarding of 10 of the oldest living WWII veterans by the President.
The anniversary parade also pushed through despite the heavy rain and the crowd stayed under tents and other sheltered places.
In his message, Ambassador Makoto Katsura again apologized for Japan's role in World War II.
"Let me first of all pay tribute to all those who have fallen and express our heartfelt apologies and deep sense of remorse for all the damage caused by the Japanese military in the Philippines in World War II," Katsura said.
But he added that the Philippines and Japan have become partners in development since then.
"We are now a peace-loving nation and share the fundamental values of democracy, freedom and respect for human rights," Katsura said.
On the other hand, US Ambassador Kristie Kenny said the gathering was to "honor the valor and the courage of those who fought on so many sides to save their nations and to protect freedom."
"We remember that side by side, heroes of America and the Philippines walked to shore not knowing what they would find here, but knowing that together they were strong and they were brave and that their cause was just," Kenny said.
The commemorative program, held at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, was also attended by Captain Vic Jones, defense attaché of the Embassy of Australia; James Trottier, counselor for political and economic section of the Embassy of Canada; some American WWII veterans and guests, Filipino WWII veterans and local officials, among others.
Palo Mayor Teodoro Sevilla and Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho "Icot" Petillas were also present during the event.
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