Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople yesterday warmly felicitated the United States on the 227th anniversary of its independence today, July 4, and said the day, officially declared as Philippine-American Friendship Day, has acquired new meaning and vibrancy as the two countries strengthened their alliance to make the world safer from the scourge of international terrorism.

“The spirit of friendship waxes strong and this is good for the security of both the Philippines and the United States, the Asia-Pacific region and the whole world,” Ople said.

Ople said the American Revolution and Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 inspired all subject peoples to fight for independence, including the Philippines, which led the way for decolonization in Asia, founding the first Philippine Republic in Malolos, Bulacan, in 1898.

“True to their origins, the American people led the successful struggle against Nazism, fascism, Japanese militarism and Soviet communism in our own era, and is now leading the global coalition against terrorism in all its forms,” Ople said.

The secretary also paid tribute to the American leadership exemplified by President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell.

“The world is encouraged to have men of this caliber at the helm of America during a dangerous and challenging moment in world history,” he said.  END