PH Consulate General in San Francisco Joins in Memorial Ceremony for USS San Francisco

Deputy Consul General Raquel Solano delivers the keynote address during the USS San Francisco Memorial Ceremony held in Lands End Park, San Francisco on 26 May 2019. (San Francisco PCG photo)

SAN FRANCISCO 04 June 2019 — The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco participated in the Memorial Ceremony in honor of those killed in action aboard the USS San Francisco during World War II.

The event was held at the San Francisco Lands End Park on 26 May 2019.

The annual ceremony was organized by the USS San Francisco Memorial Foundation and was dedicated to the 100 sailors and seven marines who perished onboard the ship during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal on 12-13 November 1942, and those who served, fought and perished during the 17 major battles the ship was involved in during World War II. 

The event was attended by local officials, active duty personnel, military veterans and their family members.

Deputy Consul General Raquel R. Solano delivered the event’s keynote address during which she shared the lasting value of the U.S. participation during the war, the history and legacy of the USS San Francisco, which was also involved in a number of battles in the Philippines towards the end of the war, and the impact of the war in the Philippines.

She also paid tribute to the Filipino soldiers who participated in the war as part of the U.S. Armed Forces, and how they are now duly recognized through the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal.

Japanese Consul General to San Francisco Tomochika Uyama also delivered remarks during which he spoke about reconciliation and the strengthened ties between the U.S. and Japanese governments.

Former California State Senator Quentin Kopp was conferred the Lifetime Service Award in recognition of his military service. The Chair of Honor Award was presented posthumously to Sgt. Robert B. Ward, who served onboard the USS San Francisco, and was received by his son, Mr. Jeffrey Bruce Ward.

During the ceremony, wreaths were also offered for the Filipino and Japanese soldiers who perished during the war. END

For more information, visit www.sanfranciscopcg.dfa.gov.ph, www.philippinessanfrancisco.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHinSF/.