Choir of the World Champion of Champions the University of Santo Tomas Singers was invited to sing the national anthems of the Philippines and the United States of America at the commemoration of the 75th anniversary the raising of the American flag by Gen. Douglas MacArthur over the Embassy during the Battle of Manila. The ceremony was held on February 19, 2020 at the United States Embassy in the Philippines in Roxas Boulevard, Manila. The actual hoisting of the American flag by MacArthur took place on February 22, 1945.
United States Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Sung Y. Kim, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Deputy Administrator MGen. Raul Z. Caballes, and National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chair Dr. Rene Escalante graced the event and delivered remarks.
Advisor to the Filipino-American Memorial Endowment, Inc. Mr. Dan Larsen, who is also part of the Museum Volunteers of the Philippines, spoke about the history of the Embassy and its role in the Battle of Manila.
Also in attendance were Manila Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, former American internee at the Santo Tomas Internment Camp Leslie Ann Murray, and Filipino veterans.
The participation of the UST Singers in the commemoration ceremonies was coordinated through the UST Office of Public Affairs by the Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy in Manila.
The University of Santo Tomas was liberated in the Battle of Manila on February 3, 1945. In the same year, the University conferred upon Gen. Douglas MacArthur with a Doctor of Laws degree, honoris causa.
