U.S., Australian officials expected in Lingayen Gulf landing rites

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6): U.S., Australian officials expected in Lingayen Gulf landing rites

Officials from the United States and Australian embassies will represent their respective countries when Pangasinan commemorates the 72nd Lingayen Gulf Landings and the 10th Pangasinan Veterans' Day at the Pangasinan Veteran Memorial Park here on January 9.

The commemoration will be led by Governor Amado Espino III to be participated in by Pangasinan veterans who saw action during World War II and perhaps witnessed the landing in the Lingayen beach of allied liberation forces led by General Douglas Mac Arthur during that fateful day on January 9, 1945.

The activity is being observed yearly in Pangasinan to honor the veterans who participated in the Lingayen Gulf landings that ultimately led to the liberation of Luzon from the enemy.
 
Guest of honor and speaker during the occasion is Dr. Vivencio Villaflor of Dagupan City.

Also to give his inspirational message to the veterans is retired General Ernesto Carolina, administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO).

The wreath-laying ceremony to the fallen World War II veterans will commence at 8:30 a.m. following a commemorative program in honor of the veterans.

Prior to this, at 7:00 a.m., a thanksgiving mass will be held to be officiated by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=953172