Filipino World II Veterans Honored at 76th Araw ng Kagitingan Commemoration

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of the national observance of the 76thAraw ng Kagitingan(Day of Valor) and Philippine Veterans Week (5-11 April 2018), the Philippine Embassy, led by the Offi ce of Veterans Affairs, and in partnership with the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilvetRep), organized a wreath laying ceremony at the National World War II Memorial in the afternoon of 05 April 2018.

Four (4) Filipino World War II veterans graced the ceremony – Mr. Rey Cabacar, Mr. Celestino Almeda, Mr. Potenciano Dee, and Mr. Justino Delara – along with FilvetRep offi cers and members led by Major General Antonio Taguba, Philippine Embassy offi cers and staff, veterans’ rights advocates, and members of the Filipino-American community of Metro DC.

Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché to the United States BGen Eric R. Calip AFP opened the program, while Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez delivered the keynote address prior to the actual wreath laying.

“As we remember the valor and sacrifice of our veterans and their fallen comrades-in-arms, we become acutely aware that there can never be an adequate expression of gratitude for their service. They endured unimaginable pain and suffering so that we can be free and prosper. They willingly laid down their lives to secure our future. We will be forever grateful for this precious gift and we pledge to honor their memory by living up to the promise of a free, peaceful and civilized nation – day by day, year by year, generation by generation”, said Ambassador Romualdez.

Commodore Elson Aguilar,head of the Offi ce of Veterans Affairs, also expressed appreciation to all those who supported the event, and further underscored the importance of remembering the patriotism and heroic courage of Filipino veterans during the Second World War.

Following the wreath laying ceremony is a simple reception held at the Philippine Embassy Chancery annex attended by the veterans and guests.

Earlier during the day, the Philippine Embassy also hosted a Talakayan sa Pasuguan (town hall meeting) featuring LTGEN Rolando Bautista AFP, current Commanding General of the Philippine Army, who presented updates about the terrorist infi ltration, government response, liberation and current rehabilitation of Marawi City, Philippines. ###

A wreath laying ceremony was held at the National World War II Memorial on 05 April 2018 in observance of the 76thAraw ng Kagitingan(Day of Valor) and
Philippine Veterans Week.

DC community honors Filipino World War II veterans in a wreath laying ceremony held at the National World War II Memorial on 05 April 2018.