Fourth of July and the Philippine-American Friendship Day, 2020
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 05 Jul 2020
The Founding Fathers of the United States of America and Francis Scott Key, the composer of Star-Spangled Banner, would have enjoyed meeting Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao. They were men of valor and integrity just like the fighting senator from the Philippines.
Today, Fourth of July 2020, marks the 244th year in existence of the United States of America since the Declaration of Independence was ratified by the United States Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.
In the Philippines, the Philippine-American Friendship Day (formerly known as Philippine-American Day) is commemorated, a tradition that dates back to 1955 when former President Ramon Magsaysay, by virtue of Proclamation No. 212, s. 1955, established the observance of “Philippine American Day.” The following year, by virtue of Proclamation No. 363, s. 1956, the celebration became a yearly event. During former President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos’ administration, the event was formally changed to Philippine-American Friendship Day.
(Source: http://www.congress.gov.ph/)
What better way to celebrate two historic occasions than to enjoy a sustained note from 8-division boxing great Senator Emmanuel “ Manny” Pacquiao of the Republic of the Philippines.
https://youtu.be/9fEOGsfk-1c
Video courtesy of Mr. Robert Lyons, CEO, Starflite International, Inc.
Painting courtesy of Mr. Jun Aquino.
During his visit to Washington, D.C., Philippine Senator Emmanuel D. Pacquiao presented this painting to former President Barrack Obama on the 63rd annual U.S. National Prayer Breakfast back in February 2015. (Photo by Andrew Kyle Aquino)
_______________________________________________
Star-Spangled Banner
By Francis Scott Key (lyrics) and John Stafford Smith (music)
O say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
The earliest surviving sheet music of National anthem of the United States
"The Star-Spangled Banner", from 1814.
_________________________________________________________________________
July 4, 1946: In ceremonies held in the temporary Independence Grandstand (built in front of the Rizal Monument), the Philippine flag is raised while the U.S. flag is lowered. The flagpole in front of the Rizal Monument is thus known as the Independence Flagpole, commemorating the culmination of the quest for national independence.
July 4, 1946: During the inauguration of the Third Republic, President Manuel Roxas shakes the hand of General Field Marshal Douglas MacArthur of the United States, then the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (SCAP).
Happy 244th Birthday, America...land of the free and the home of the brave!
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel Rivera, RRT.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
MELBOURNE FIGHT WEEK: PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES IN FULL AS NICOLSON TAKES ON TURNER FOR THE WBC INTERIM WORLD TITLE
Mon, 27 Apr 2026‘I’m coming to put on a performance—something exciting, something real. Don’t blink – The Black Hulk Bilal Seidu is back May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
Mon, 27 Apr 2026Fil-Am Brandon Kier Sustento strikes again in US chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 27 Apr 2026Llover nears title shot
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 27 Apr 2026All Star Boxing, Inc. Signs Undefeated Japanese Prospect Yuga Ozaki to Multi-Year Promotional Agreement
Mon, 27 Apr 2026Labog rules Okada Manila Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 27 Apr 2026Dacullo Edges Cometa in Thriller, Remains GAB Philippine Youth Minimum weight Champion
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 27 Apr 2026SKYE NICOLSON FIRES WARNING TO MARIAH TURNER AS SHE TARGETS HOMECOMING WIN THIS WEDNESDAY IN BID TO LAND UNDISPUTED SHOT
Mon, 27 Apr 2026Salim Ellis-Bey Concludes 2026 World Boxing Cup - Stage 1 with Silver Medal
Mon, 27 Apr 2026IIEE PSME Quezon City wins all matches in PCAP
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 27 Apr 2026Alvin Gayeta Roma leads Mansa Engineering team to the championship of the Oliver Laroya 3x3 (Tatluhan) Rapid Chess Team Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 26 Apr 2026Simona Winkler, Salim Ellis-Bey and Noelle Haro Advance to Medal Rounds At 2026 World Boxing Cup – Stage 1
Sun, 26 Apr 2026Sanman 100 Official Weigh-In Results from General Santos
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Subkhankulov stops Usmonov, Agrba wins hard test, and Aminova claims WBA Asia title at IBA.PRO 17 in Ufa
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Pero vs Miller: Heavies Collide in Prove it fight on DAZN
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 25 Apr 2026