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WHEREAS, it is appropriate that the two nations continue renewing and further strengthening the bonds that bind them in view, particularly, of the prevailing critical world conditions that threaten their security and the democratic institutions that they have jointly developed and staunchly defended at the cost of their resources and blood;
WHEREAS, it is desirable that the two peoples be afforded every opportunity to get together on an intimate basis and encouraged to find a common medium for the friendly, intelligent, and unselfish appraisal of the problems as well as the advantages that arise from their present relationship, always in a spirit of cooperation and with due regard for each other’s rights, interest, and aspirations;
WHEREAS, it is meet and proper that one day during the year should be devoted to the commemoration of the historic partnership of the two nations in the noble effort to insure the success and permanence of the free and democratic enterprises in which they are engaged and which constitute their contribution to the peace of the world and the happiness of mankind; and
WHEREAS, the Philippine-American Day Committee of 1954 has recommended November 15 as the most appropriate occasion for this year’s celebration, that date being reminiscent of the first official implementation of the Philippine Independence Act of the U. S. Congress through the formal establishment of the former government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines preparatory to the inauguration of our Republic;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ramon Magsaysay, President of the Philippines, do hereby declare November 15, 1955, as Philippine-American Day. I call upon all our people and all Americans residing within Philippine territory to observe this date with appropriate ceremonies designed to promote mutual understanding and helpfulness and to enhance the practical significance of the intimate association existing between Filipinos and Americans and between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Republic of the United States of America. I especially call on all civic, business, religious, and service organizations and schools, both public and private, to devote this date to exercises calculated to advance knowledge and wider appreciation of the value of Philippine-American relationship and of the benefits derived from it.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.
Done in the City of Manila, this 4th day of November, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and fifty-five, and of the Independence of the Philippines, the tenth.
Ramon Magsaysay
President of the Philippines
By the President:
FRED RUIZ CASTRO
Executive Secretary