Fulbright Alumni Reception

Ambassador and Mrs. J. Thomas Schieffer hosted a reception on October 21 for local Fulbright Program alumni. In remarks to the group, the Ambassador reaffirmed the U.S. Government's commitment to its flagship educational exchange program, begun nearly 60 years ago. Alumni at the annual event were treated to entertainment by Randin Graves, an American musician from San Diego whose 2004-2005 Fulbright Scholarship allows him to study the didgeridoo among traditional Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. Also appearing with Mr. Graves was noted indigenous didgeridoo player Milkaynu Mununggurr. Mr. Mununggurr generously presented the Ambassador with a catalogue of bark paintings from his people celebrating their saltwater traditions.

Anna Klein

The American Pianist Anna Klein was invited to Australia by OPA Canberra to perform at many cities across Australia for a series of international visitor alumni events October 1st to 13. After her Australian program Anna traveled onto other countries in the East Asia Pacific region; New Zealand, Fiji and the Marshall Islands.

60th anniversary of the allied landing on Leyte Island

Statement by the President - October 19, 2004

On October 20, we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the allied landing on Leyte Island's shores, a pivotal moment in the history of the War in the Pacific and in the human struggle for liberty. The Leyte landing is a central event in the long history of friendship between the peoples of the Philippines and the United States.

This year we are privileged that American, Filipino, and Australian veterans once again stand on the very beach where they fought for the liberation of the Philippines six decades ago. Many of those brave allied soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice on these shores in the cause of freedom. MacArthur, Osmena, Romulo, and all those heroes commemorated in bronze on Leyte's shores were tenacious and brave.

Veterans of the Leyte landing: know that we will continue to recognize this date as a day to draw renewed inspiration from your courage and sacrifice in the cause of freedom. We will pass on to our children what your great generation has passed to us: a world where liberty is the right of all humankind, and where men and women will remain vigilant in its defense.

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