69th Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary marked!

From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 20): 69th Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary marked!

Palo, Leyte — Department of National Defense (DND) Usec. Eduardo G. Batac, Leyte Gov. Leopoldo Dominico “Mic” L. Petilla and Palo Mayor Remedios L. Petilla led the Filipino nation in celebration of the 69th Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary at Red Beach, known as MacArthur Park, this town on October 20, 2013.

Usec. Eduardo Batac represented President Benigno S. Aquino III as guest of honor and speaker of the simple and solemn commemorative ceremonies of the so-called largest naval battle of World War II, which paved way to the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation 69 years ago.

The Battle of Leyte Gulf on October 20, 1944 that turned the tide of World War II in favor of the Allied forces was headed by Gen. Douglas McArthur, the triumph of the Allied Forces’ on that battle paved way to the fulfillment of McArthur’s historic pledge “I shall return!”

Among the foreign diplomats in attendance this year are Lt. Col Michael P. Wylie, Chief Joint Operations, US Marine Corp, Embassy of the United States of America; Minister Tetsuro Omano, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan; Reuben Levermore, ambassador, Embassy of New Zealand; and Bill Tweddell, Ambassador, Embassy of Australia.

Also in attendance was Cmdr. Avelino L. Mosot, regional vice president Veterans Federation of the Philippines Leyte Chapter, and Brig. Gen. Joel Joseph A. Cabides, Regional Vice President, Veterans Federation of the Philippines. And Pasig City Cong. Roman T. Romulo, Grand Son of Ambassador Carlos P. Romulo, the Filipino general who was with Gen. MacArthur during the 1944 historic Leyte Landings.

A highlight during the commemorative program each diplomatic representative imparted their respective message of solidarity for peace.

Gov. Petilla in his message said, “On this 69th year of commemorating the Leyte Gulf Landings we honor our veterans as we banner this year’s theme: The Filipino Veteran: Role Model for Patriotism.” I want us not only to remember their gallantry in the battlefield, but we must also look at the lasting legacy of strength and service they brought with them; the commemoration of the Leyte Gulf Landings reminds us of the responsibility we have for our veterans, who serve our nation, he added.

Undersecretary Batac in his speech for President Benigno S. Aquino III said the return of freedom was the closing chapter in the experience of our wartime generation. The Second World War fought beyond the shadow of doubt that this nation, a country of men and women committed to the preservation of democracy and principle, knew that freedom is not only worth living but is also, and more importantly, worth dying for!

Meanwhile Cong. Roman T. Romulo in his solidarity message said, May our generation learn and be inspired by the gallantry of our forefathers—the Filipino traits of selflessness, courage, sacrifice, gallantry which ran through the veins of Filipinos of that generation, must still run in the veins of Filipinos in our generation.

http://www.mb.com.ph/69th-leyte-gulf-landings-anniversary-marked/