May 24 2009
Manila American Cemetery Flag Planting
On Saturday we had the priviledge of taking part in the flag placing on the graves at the Manila American Cemetery. The cemetery is the largest resting place for American veterans outside of the US. There are more than 17,000 buried at the Manila American Cemetery many whose identity is unknown. Flag planting starts at 6AM when the gates open and many volunteers were available to place both an American and Filipino flag at each grave marker. The Manila American Cemetery is located in Fort Bonafacio in an area where Fort McKinley was previously located.
As Memorial Day approaches, the cemetery hosts a large number of visitors for a ceremony and visits in remembrance of loved ones, either buried on the grounds, or one of the more than 35,000 who remain with a status of Missing in Action.
