TODAY is the United States’ Independence Day, which therefore means it is the Americans’ national day. There was a time when we Filipinos celebrated the 4th of July also as our Independence Day. That was because July 4, 1946 is our Independence Day from the United States. July 4th was the day when the United States recognized the Philippines as an independent state in 1946.

Now we Filipinos celebrate July 4 as Philippine-American Friendship Day. And Americans who are in the Philippines also proclaim their celebration of Philippine-American friendship on July 4.