Pangasinan recalls heroism of veterans
70thGULF LANDINGS ANNIVERSARY
LINGAYEN— Pangasinan reminisced anew the heroism portrayed during the war with the veterans themselves on January 9, 2015 at the Veterans Memorial Park, Capitol Complex here.
Led by the provincial government, Pangasinan celebrated the 70thGulf Landings Anniversary and the 8th Pangasinan Veterans’ Day to recognize the contributions of the Pangasinan war veterans as well as the allied forces towards national liberation.
A presentation of recognition to war veteran centenarians and presentation of medallion of valor to living World War II veterans highlighted the commemorative program.
Three World War II veteran-centenarians received special honors.
The centenarian veterans hold their awards as they watch the proceedings.
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.
Eligores was born in Urdaneta City on Dec. 4, 1914, while Millamina was born in Labrador town on April 17, 1915 and Sabado was born on July 15, 1915 in Binalonan town.
The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) presented to them plaques of recognition for their “gallantry in action, exceptional courage in combat and in defense of the country from the enemy, selfless sacrifice in the faith of performance of duty and high degree of leadership that distinguished himself from his comrades in keeping with the highest tradition and truest spirit of patriotism”.
The provincial government also gave them each a wheelchair and cash.
Governor Amado Espino Jr. and retired Maj. Gen. Raul Caballes, deputy administrator of PVAO, did the honor of presenting the plaques and incentives to the veteran-centenarians.
About 71 other veterans who were present were awarded medallion of valor pinned by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Maj. Gen. James Pasquarette, deputy commanding general of the US Army Pacific and Col. Bruce Murray, defense attaché of the Australian Embassy to the Philippines.
“They serve as inspiration to the youth of this generation, to love and serve this country and to fight for peace and freedom at all costs,” their recognition also read.
Espino said, “Through their heroic deeds and priceless sacrifices, our war veterans not only upheld the values of freedom, democratic governance, and the rule of law.”
He added that they also demonstrated their deep sense of patriotism and placed great value in the brotherhood of nations—noble qualities that for us, especially the younger set, are worth emulating”.
Gazmin, the anniversary’s guest of honor and speaker, said the annals of World War II is replete with memories on the epic struggle of Filipino and American soldiers and their allies in the defense of freedom, liberty and democracy.
He said “those battles served as the arenas of their great courage and bravery against the foreign invaders who were the masterminds of territorial conquest and enemies of sovereignty”.
He added that their sacrifices were tales of camaraderie and friendship of the Filipino and American soldiers and their allies who shed their sweat, tears and blood in the defense of freedom in their native land.
Murray, who spoke in behalf of Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddell, said over 400 Australian servicemen fought, 92 were killed and many hundreds were wounded. Their contribution was a small yet significant part in the allied victory, here and throughout the Pacific, he said.
Murray said , “We must also never forget the brave Filipino people who fought beside and supported the Allied forces during the Lingayen landings”.
Pasquarette, for his part, said the relationship between the United States and the Philippines is as strong as it has been in many years—due in large measure to our shared sacrifice in World War II.
“The relationship between our two armies remains extremely close—we continue to work together on areas of mutual interest—and we foresee increased opportunities to work together in the future,” he added.
After the program, there was a viewing of Veterans’ Day poster-making contest winners and turnover of a collection of 70 miniature ships by Retired US Navy Weatherman Russel Leon Sandlin to the provincial government. – (Tita Roces/ Johanne Macob)
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