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Three war trophy bells, seized by US troops more than a century ago, were returned to the Philippines on Wednesday by US Defense Secretary James Mattis, who described the controversial decision to repatriate them. make an important gesture of friendship between the two countries.
Some US veterans and officials oppose the return of the Bells of Balangiga, which they describe as memorials to war victims in America. But Filipinos revere the bells as symbols of national pride.
US soldiers took the bells after an attack killed 48 US soldiers in 1901, during the US occupation of the Philippines. Two of Balangiga's bells are at E.E. Warren to Cheyenne and the third to the US Army in South Korea.
Filipino presidents, including current president Rodrigo Duterte, have repeatedly called for the return of the bells. The administration of President Donald Trump has agreed that strengthening relations between the United States and a key international ally outweighs national concerns even among Republican political allies.
Mattis ushered in a process of several weeks to bring back the bells to a church in the Philippines with a visit to the two bells of F.E. Warren. He was accompanied by Philippine Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Jose Manuel G. Romualdez.
"History reminds us that all wars are coming to an end." By bringing Balangiga's bells back to our ally and our friend the Philippines, we are assuming the responsibility of our generation to deepen respect among our peoples ", said Mattis at a ceremony at the base.
Filipino soldiers fought alongside US troops during the Second World War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the recent fight against international terrorism, said Mattis.
"For those who are worried about losing something by making the bells, listen to me please when I say that bells mark time, but the courage is timeless," said Mattis.
Among the opponents of the return of the bells, the governor of Wyoming, Matt Mead, Republican. Mead took part in the ceremony as he lined up with former American fighters who feared that the return of the bells would lead to the repatriation of many objects serving as monuments to the victims of the war in America.
"We know that you and the president have looked into it, and the priority of the military, of course, is national security," Mattis told Mead at a meeting of two hundred officers, staff and members. from the air force family. "We must absolutely build these friendships."
The Wyoming congressional delegation, made up of representatives of all Republicans, also opposes the return of the bells, affirming in a joint statement issued by Sen. Mike Enzi's spokesman, Max D & # 39; Onofrio, that Repatriation would set a dangerous precedent for US veterans memorials.
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Follow Mead Gruver at https://twitter.com/meadgruver.
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