United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson led solemn rites at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial on Sunday to honor American and Filipino service members who fought and died together in the Second World War.

Speaking before a crowd of diplomats, veterans, military officials and families, Carlson called attention to the “shared sacrifice” that forged the enduring alliance between the United States and the Philippines, saying their heroism remains etched “in stone — and in the foundation of our Alliance.”

“We mark Memorial Day in a year of historic significance — the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War,” she said. “Eight decades ago, Americans and Filipinos fought side by side across this country… Though they prevailed, many never returned home. Many rest here, and today, we honor them.”

More than 17,000 US and allied service members are buried at the cemetery, with another 36,000 names engraved on the Walls of the Missing. Their stories, Carlson said, are not just of loss, but of courage, unity, and a profound devotion to liberty.

The ambassador highlighted one such story — that of First Lt. Albert “Jack” Ellison, a paratrooper from the legendary 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 11th Airborne Division. Known as “The Cowboy,” Ellison was praised for his bravery and calm under fire.

“In February 1945, as the battle for Manila raged... Jack gave his last full measure of devotion,” Carlson said. “A platoon had been pinned down by relentless machine gun fire. Without hesitation, Jack volunteered to lead a relief force. He was caught in a crossfire and killed. He was 24 years old.”

Ellison’s final battle took place on grounds that are now part of the US Embassy’s Seafront compound. For his heroism, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star.

“His chaplain would later write to his grieving father, ‘He was extremely cool under fire… a gentleman in every sense of the word… his courage and bravery were beyond compare,’” Carlson recounted.

The ambassador’s remarks resonated with those gathered at the largest American military cemetery outside the United States — a testament to the war that saw Filipinos and Americans bleed together, liberate together, and win back a nation together.

“Freedom is never free,” Carlson said. “Today, we remember. We pause. We mourn. And above all, we honor those who gave everything so that others could live to enjoy freedom.”