Here and There
Final homecoming for Pinoy Armboy
By Gerry Garcia
PANGASINENSES have every reason to be proud like the bereaved parents themselves over the military honors the Iraq-based US Infantry Regiment gave a Fil-Am soldier during his recent burial at a Catholic cemetery in Lingayen.
The late Fil-American, 25, happened to be the son of Ricardo “Dick” Primicias and wifey Maria Minda Correa. Dick is a brother of Atty. Johnny “Elvis” Primicias, a contemporary bosom pal of ours , US Army Sgt. Richard “Valiant” Correa was killed in Iraq by an improvised explosive device detonated hear his position.
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This marks the second time Pangasinenses were thrilled by the sight of US soldiers acting as pall bearers for a Pinoy-fellow who had died in line of duty.
The first time it took place was some ten yeas ago when a contingent of the US Navy in Hawaii escorted to Dagupan City the remains of a fellow-Navy man who had just died. Their late chum happened to be a son of a dear friend who had recently died — Dr. Jesus Hiquiana, hubby to another doctora from Sta. Barbara, now US-based.
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As part of our commemoration of July 4, Independence Day from America, we reprint excerpts from President Manuel Roxas’ eulogy in 1948 for the late Manuel Quezon, first President of the Philippine Commonwealth.
“Manuel L. Quezon has at last returned to his native land. We are a free people and a free nation, in large part, because of him. This Republic, its government and its institutions are as much his works as they could be of any single man. These are his perpetual monument, across the trackless and virgin territory of time, Manuel Quezon’s wisdom led the way, through four critical decades, through two great world wars, to victory and finally to independence.
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Most of the attacks against JdV are focused on his ambition to be a Prime Minister. From Jose Abueva, foremost constitutionalist, comes this rejoinder: JdV is often faulted for his political ambition but who is the politician who has no political ambition? In fact, he also is visionary and a reformist and is full of ideas and initiatives in both national and international affairs. And he dares to advocate unpopular ideas, like charter change. In this respect, who among those aspiring to be president in 2010 is really superior?
(For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/here-and-there/)
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