THE sacrifices made by American soldiers and other allied forces in the Philippines during World War 2 left a lasting legacy of 'strong alliance' with Filipinos that helped create peace and prosperity in the region, United States Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson said on Sunday at the Memorial Day ceremony at the Manila American Cemetery.

Carlson, with some embassy officials and Filipino defense officers, paid tribute to uniformed service members from the US and the Philippines 'who gave their lives defending our freedom.'