DWDD: COMMEMORATION | 8ID Troops Joins 72nd Leyte Gulf Landing Anniversary

From DWDD Armed Forces of the Philippines Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 25): COMMEMORATION | 8ID Troops Joins 72nd Leyte Gulf Landing Anniversary

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City (DWDD) – The 8th Infantry (STORMTROOPERS) Division, Philippine Army participated in the commemoration of the LEYTE GULF LANDING Anniversary at MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, Candahug, Palo, Leyte on October 20, 2016.

 The activity   started with a tribute march of the veterans and lighting of the peace torch by Commander Avelino L Mosot, Regional President, Veterans Federation of the Philippines-Leyte Chapter. The event was graced by Minister Atsushi Ueno, Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul Head of Political Section, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines; Col. Kevin P Wolfla US Army Attache, Embassy of the United States of America in the Philippines, Capt Brad White, Defence Attache, Embassy of Australia in the Philippines.

Also in attendance were Lieut. Gen. Raul L Del Rosario, Commander Central Command, Brig. Gen. Raul M Farnacio, Commander 8ID; Brig. Gen. Joel Joseph A. Cabides (Ret), Regional Vice President, Veterans Federation of the Philippines; Col Bonifacio G De Gracia (Ret), National President, Veterans Federation of the Philippines, Maj. Gen. Alfredo S Cayton Jr (Ret), Veterans Affairs Management, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (Ret) Justice Manuel R Pamaran, Board of Trustee of Veterans of World War II, Rev. Msgr. Rex Ramirez, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Palo, Hon Remedios L Petilla, Municipal Mayor, Palo Leyte, Hon. Carlo P Loreto, Vice Governor of Leyte and Hon. Leopoldo Dominico L Petilla, Governor of Leyte.

Messages of Solidarity for peace were delivered by the diplomatic corps present followed by the hoisting of flags and singing of their respective national anthems. The 8ID troops spearheaded the Wreath Laying Ceremony in honor of our heroes who fought with gallantry for the present generation to cherish the true essence of liberty.

Lieut. Gen. Raul L Del Rosario in his message said, “Today as we celebrate the 72^nd Anniversary of Leyte Landing, we honor Gen. Douglas McArthur who stood firm and fought his way to reclaim the freedom of the Philippines. We are also here to honor the thousands of great men and women of different nationalities who fought in the Philippines in defense of freedom and we also honor the thousands of Filipino guerillas who patiently fought underground even at the verge of scarcity. We also honor the civilians in surrounding communities who equally suffered the cruelties of war some of whom are present here today. Sa inyo pong lahat utang namin sa inyo ang ating kalayaan lubos kaming nagpapasalamat sa inyong mga sakripisyo at kabayanihan patuloy po kayong magiging inspirasyon ng ating sambayanan.” Del Rosario added. 8DPAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2016/10/25/commemoration-8id-troops-joins-72nd-leyte-gulf-landing-anniversary/