[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 43 (Monday, October 25, 2004)]
[Page 2475]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Anniversary of the Allied Landing on Leyte Island

October 19, 2004

    On October 20, we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Allied 
landing on Leyte Island's shores, a pivotal moment in the history of the 
War in the Pacific and in the human struggle for liberty. The Leyte 
landing is a central event in the long history of friendship between the 
peoples of the Philippines and the United States.
    This year we are privileged that American, Filipino, and Australian 
veterans once again stand on the very beach where they fought for the 
liberation of the Philippines six decades ago. Many of those brave 
Allied soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice on these shores in the cause 
of freedom. MacArthur, Osmena, Romulo, and all those heroes commemorated 
in bronze on Leyte's shores were tenacious and brave.
    Veterans of the Leyte landing: Know that we will continue to 
recognize this date as a day to draw renewed inspiration from your 
courage and sacrifice in the cause of freedom. We will pass on to our 
children what your great generation has passed to us, a world where 
liberty is the right of all humankind, and where men and women will 
remain vigilant in its defense.