American Day

Aug. 13, under American rule, used to be known as Occupation Day in the Philippines. It celebrated the day U.S. armed forces wrested control of the islands from the Spaniards. When Filipinos got their independence in 1946, they abruptly ceased observing Aug. 13.

Last week President Ramon Magsaysay reinstated Occupation Day under a new and happier name: Philippine-American Day. Among those conspicuously observing it together: Admiral Raymond Spruance, the U.S. Ambassador, and the aging rebel chieftain Aguinaldo, who gave U.S. forces such trouble half a century ago.

In an age so marked by chafing nationalism, Ramon Magsaysay unashamedly spoke of "the deep appreciation and gratitude for all that America has done during the last half-century to help us attain the high state of progress and security we enjoy," and "the pleasant and fruitful relationship" that exists today.

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