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:
Pacquiao and Barrios Make Weight: Final Hurdle Cleared for Blockbuster Saturday Night
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Usyk Registers Career-Heaviest Weight as Dubois Looks Ready for Undisputed Rematch at Wembley
Sat, 19 Jul 2025Rodriguez vs. Cafu Unification Clash Set for Frisco, Texas; All Fighters Make Weight
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 19 Jul 2025LOPEZ VS. VARGAS WEIGHTS FROM PECHANGA RESORT CASINO
Sat, 19 Jul 2025“Bambol” Tolentino in Las Vegas: Supporting Filipino Athletes and Pacquiao
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 18 Jul 2025Unstoppable: Team Philippines Storms Into Davis Cup Finals After Qatar Sweep
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 18 Jul 2025Blu Girls Stumble Against Taipei, Look to Regroup vs. Hong Kong
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 18 Jul 2025Fighting for clean sweep
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 18 Jul 2025WBA No. 2 Heavyweight Contender Michael Hunter Is Ready to Take on World Champion Kubrat Pulev; All Systems Go for Purse Bid Winner Don King
Fri, 18 Jul 2025Weights from Panama City; WBA Women's Interim Superfly Title at Stake
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 18 Jul 2025Undefeated prospect Pryce Taylor Working hard to join Brooklyn’s Elite list of top heavyweight boxers
Fri, 18 Jul 2025Justin Goossen-Brown Set to Make DAZN Broadcasting Debut This Friday at Boxlab Promotions’ Night of Champions in Orlando
Fri, 18 Jul 2025Philippine Davis Cup Team Sweeps Kuwait to Stay Unbeaten in Group IV
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 18 Jul 2025Pacquiao Promises Surprise Against Barrios
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 18 Jul 2025PACQUIAO VS. BARRIOS UNDERCARD MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
Fri, 18 Jul 2025