July 7, 2006
INTRODUCTION :
In the United States, the 4th of July is celebrated annually to commemorate the independence of America. In the Philippines, July 4th is a national holiday commemorating Filipino-American Friendship, symbolizing the two nations' close ties throughout the years.
The Philippines was once a territory of the United States when it became part of its Commonwealth from 1898 after the Spanish-American War, until July 4, 1946 when the latter granted the former its independence after World War II also on the date of its own independence.
However in the 1950s, the date of Philippine independence was reverted back to June 12, 1898 when the first Philippine president, Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence from Spain. Since then, July 4 has been celebrated as "Filipino-American Friendship Day".
With this history, the Philippines has become America's closest ally in Asia. At present, there are 200,000 Americans living in the Philippines. while there are more than 2 million Filipinos in the United States, making them its second largest Asian American group.
In recognition of their contribution in American society, the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC has set up exhibitions this year commemorating the 100 Years of the Migration of Filipino Americans in the United States.
With simultaneous activities in Jacksonville through the Diversity Council, the more than 200 Filipinos of the Shands-Jacksonville family are honored and proud to present their culture and heritage to their friends and co-workers in our institution.
As we say in the Philippines, MABUHAY and WELCOME !!!
Mr. and Mrs. Loy performing their first Filipino dance number :
"Kuracha" : Filipino Dance of Newlyweds
