Fil-Am friendship feted at Virginia Beach’s Mt. Trashmore

The city of Virginia Beach has been holding Fil-Am Friendship Day for over 45 years, to celebrate July 4, 1946, the day the Philippines became independent from the United States. YAHOO

A parade, a Flores de Mayo pageant, food and cultural performances marked Filipino-American Friendship Day on Saturday, July 8 at former landfill Mt. Trashmore Park in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

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The city has been holding Fil-Am Friendship Day for over 45 years, to celebrate July 4, 1946, the day the Philippines became independent from the United States.

Virginia Beach is home to a significant Filipino population, with approximately 19,000 Filipinos residing in the area, particularly in the Hampton Roads region. Many of them are families and descendants of veterans of the U.S. Navy.

Rep. Bobby Scott (D, VA-3), who is of Filipino descent, Senator Tim Kaine (D, VA) and Rep. Jen Kiggans (R, VA-2) were among the politicians who who honored the contributions and cultural heritage of the Filipino American community.

Dr. Cynthia Romero, representing the Council of United Filipino Organizations of Tidewater, said that the event is also a testament to the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the U.S.