The province of Pangasinan reminisced anew the heroism and love of
freedom of veterans of World War II in a program Friday at the Veterans Memorial Park
Led by the provincial government, Pangasinan celebrated the
70th Gulf Landings Anniversary and the 8th Pangasinan Veterans’ Day to
recognize the contributions of the Pangasinan war veterans as well as members
of the allied forces towards national liberation.
A presentation of recognition to war veteran centenarians
and the medallion of valor to other living World War II veterans highlighted
the commemorative program.
A plaque, WWII medal, Philippine liberation medal, and
wheelchair were awarded to each of the war centenarians namely Nicholas
Aligores of Urdaneta City , Prudencio Sabado of Binalonan, and Apolonio
Millamina of Labrador .
Defense Secretary, Gen. Voltaire Gazmin, the event’s guest
speaker, expressed his gratitude to the provincial government for the holding
of the annual event.
He underscored that, indeed, the heroism of the war veterans
was the reason that “we continue to live under the blessings of freedom of
liberty.”
Meanwhile, Governor Amado Espino Jr. said the event, apart
from honoring the veterans, is held to “remember again our history and the
stories of valor.”
He then urged the public especially the youth to emulate the
heroic example set by the freedom fighters.
Espino said that two years ago, they published a book on the
story of 33 war veterans, telling the veterans that despite all these things,
“we cannot thank you enough.”
Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Administrator,
Gen. Ernesto Carolina, previously said that Pangasinan has the most number of
freedom fighters.
PVAO deputy administrator, Maj. Gen. Raul Caballes, who
represented Carolina
After the program, there was a viewing of Veterans’ Day
poster-making contest winners and turnover of a collection of 70 miniature
ships replicas by Retired US Navy Weatherman Russel Leon Sandlin to the
provincial government.
The replica collection called “Lingayen Invasion Fleet- Mac
Arthur’s Return to Luzon on January 9, 1945” is a manifestation of the fleet of
the Australian and US navy ships that landed on the Lingayen
Gulf .
The landing of thousands of allied forces- who fought
alongside Filipinos for independence from Japanese invaders resulted in
liberation of the Philippines
Sandlin, whose grandfather and grand uncle were part of the
troops that landed in Leyte and Lingayen, said
the collection was a product of his hobby since he was a kid.
“This is to try to remember my family,” he added.
According to Malu Elduayan, provincial tourism officer and
event chairman, the collection will soon be put as memorabilia once the
restoration of the Casa Real, which will serve as provincial museum, is
completed.
Representatives from the US
US Army Pacific Deputy Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Jim
Pasquarete vowed on continuous cooperation with the Philippines
particularly in safeguarding liberation, citing a bilateral mutual defense
treaty between the US and
the Philippines
Further, the veterans as well as their children were
provided with medical services by the Provincial Health Office.
Provincial health officer Dr. Anna De Guzman said last year,
about 300 were served.
She said, “This year, our medical mission’s emphasis would
be on the provision of the pneumococcal and flu vaccines.”
The pneumococcal vaccine will provide five-year protection
while the flu vaccine will give one year protection, she added.
Free eye glasses were also distributed to the veterans.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=723520
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