US EMBASSY IN MANILA, CONSULAR AGENCY IN CEBU, CLOSED ON JANUARY 2, 2007 FOR NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING IN HONOR OF PRESIDENT GERALD FORD

President George W. Bush has declared Tuesday, January 2, 2007 as a National Day of Mourning in honor of the memory of President Gerald R. Ford, who passed away on December 26, 2006.

All U.S. Government Departments and Agencies will be closed that day as a mark of respect for the memory of President Ford.

The U.S. Embassy in Manila and the U.S. Consular Agency in Cebu will be closed for business on Tuesday, January 2. All interviews for U.S. scheduled for Tuesday, January 2 will be re-scheduled on Wednesday, January 3.

The U.S. Embassy is contacting all applicants to inform them of the change.

President Ford was a great man who devoted the best years of his life to serving his country. He was also a strong supporter of U.S.-Philippines relations, and served in the U.S. Navy in support of the landings in Leyte and Mindoro during World War WII.

He visited the Philippines as President in December 1975.

Funeral and memorial services for President Ford are taking place from December 29 through January 3. The United States is honored and delighted to host Vice President Noli de Castro, who will represent the Philippines at President Ford's funeral.