PRESS RELEASE
WDC-37-2026
25 June 2026
Embassy Press and Information Section
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez was invited as the US Marine Corps’ Guest of Honor for the June 23, 2026 Tuesday Sunset Parade. The pre-parade reception and program was held at the Military Women’s Memorial with U.S government representatives, military officials, and invited Filipino community members in attendance. The delegation subsequently moved to the Parade Site at the Marine Corps War Memorial for the parade program with invited guests and the public.
Ambassador Romualdez’s attendance at the Tuesday Sunset Parade symbolizes the continuing friendship, partnership, and alliance between the Philippines and the United States. The event is particularly significant as both nations commemorate several historic milestones in 2026: the 250th anniversary of American independence, the 80th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States, and the 75th anniversary of the Philippines–United States Mutual Defense Treaty.
These milestones highlight a partnership that has evolved across generations and remains anchored on shared democratic values, people-to-people ties, and a common commitment to peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Since the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty in 1951, the Philippines and the United States have worked closely to strengthen defense cooperation and enhance interoperability between their armed forces.
The strength of the alliance is reflected in sustained military engagements and exchanges between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States military, including joint exercises, maritime cooperation activities, and capacity-building initiatives that contribute to regional security and stability. Philippine and U.S. Marines continue to deepen cooperation through regular bilateral and multilateral exercises, reinforcing their shared commitment to readiness, interoperability, and collective defense.
During the pre-parade reception, Mr. James Balocki, SES, Executive Director of Marine Corps Installations Command and host of the evening’s festivities, extended condolences for those affected in the recent earthquakes in the Philippines and declared that “Over decades, marines and sailors have worked shoulder to shoulder with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Marine Corps…Both of our nations share a deep belief in freedom, sovereignty, sacrifice, and abiding hope that our future generations will prosper and live in liberty. Mr. Ambassador, thank you for the unwavering friendship between our nations. Marines will always tell you of the courage and commitment of our Philippine allies.”
Likewise, Ambassador Romualdez conveyed his appreciation to the United States Marine Corps for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality, and congratulated the United States and Americans as Washington, D.C. builds up its America250 celebration. He then reaffirmed strong bilateral ties between the Filipino and American peoples.
“The Philippines and the United States share a history shaped by sacrifice, common purpose, and enduring friendship…That history continues to matter today, and it will definitely matter tomorrow and the years to come.” said the Ambassador.
This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea, which reaffirmed the Philippines’ maritime entitlements under international law. The Philippines and the United States continue to work closely in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, upholding international law, and supporting freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with the rules-based international order.
The Embassy of the Philippines extends its gratitude to the United States Marine Corps for this prestigious invitation and looks forward to further strengthening the ties that bind the Philippines and the United States as friends, partners, and treaty allies. As both nations commemorate these historic anniversaries, the enduring alliance remains a pillar of stability and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific for generations to come.
A CSPAN video is available on-demand at https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/us-marine-corps-parade-at-the-iwo-jima-memorial/681541
###
