Ambassador KOSHIKAWA delivers messages to the Commemoration Ceremonies of the 77th Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings and the Battle of Surigao Strait

From October 19-20, and 24-25, Ambassador KOSHIKAWA Kazuhiko joined in the commemoration of the Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings and the Battle of Surigao Strait. Marking the 77 years since Leyte Gulf Landings and the Battle of Surigao Strait, the provincial Governments of Leyte and Surigao del Norte hosted series of ceremonies to commemorate the said historic events.
 
On October 20, Ambassador KOSHIKAWA partook in the Commemorative Ceremony for the 77th Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landing hosted by the Province of Leyte. The virtual ceremony was live-streamed from the MacArthur Landing Memorial Park in Palo, Leyte. Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Pettilla, Philippine government officials, dignitaries of the Japanese, US, and Australian Embassies, and World War II veterans were present during the event, which included a Wreath Laying Ceremony.
 
A day prior, the Municipal Mayor of Palo, Frances Ann B. Petilla hosted the "Reunion for Peace Commemoration" held at the Palo Pag-ibig Plaza. The said Flag Raising and Wreath-Laying Ceremony is part of the local government’s activities for Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary.
 
Ambassador KOSHIKAWA expressed messages of solidarity at both ceremonies and conveyd profound condolences for the victims of war. He highlighted that the friendship between Japan and the Philippines is nurtured by the dedication of predecessors of the two countries and expressed Japan's commitment to continue close cooperation with all partners in shared dream of a peaceful and prosperous world. (Insert the link of the “Leyte Gulf Landing Official TV” )
 
Likewise, On October 24 -25, the "77^th Commemoration of the historic Battle of Surigao Strait” took place at the Battle of Surigao Strait Memorial Site in Surigao, Surigao del Norte. COL NAKANO Yu and CDR SEKINE Takeharu, Defense Attaché and Assistant Defense Attaché of the Embassy of Japan attended the ceremonies. Accordingly, COL Nakano delivered Ambassador KOSHIKAWA's message on his behalf, in which the Ambassador offered his earnest prayers to everyone who perished during the war. In his message, the Ambassador vowed that Japan will continue in the steadfast course of a peace-loving nation as it has long devoted itself to world peace and prosperity.
 
The two-part Memorial Ceremonies of the Battle of Surigao included a Wreath Laying Ceremonies at the Japanese Cremation Site and Battle of Surigao Strait Memorial Site, at the Lighting at the Memorial Flame. The ceremonies concluded with a Flower Offering at Sea.