Lingayen – Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. led the whole officialdom of Pangasinan in paying tribute to Pangasinense World War II (WW-II) veterans during the 71st Lingayen Gulf Landings anniversary and 9th Pangasinan Veterans’ Day celebration held on January 9 at the Veterans’ Memorial Park here.
The commemoration which gathered together surviving Pangasinense WW-II veterans and their spouses along with their sons and daughters was made solemn with the wreath-laying rites led by Gov. Espino, top officials of the Philippine National Defense and Philippine Army; and executives of the Australian Embassy to the Philippines, and Returned Services League of Australia.
Owing to the vital roles played by Filipino war veterans from Pangasinan to liberate the country from Japanese invaders, Governor Espino stressed in his speech that “it is fitting to honor Pangasinense war veterans who sacrificed a lot and had suffered physical deformities and psychological impairment which still affect them up to now.
Governor Espino likewise exhorted Pangasinenses to value the freedom that we enjoy today by expressing love and care for the country and for the province in pursuing progress and welfare for the people through genuine public service and also to combat corruption, degradation of the environment, poverty, crime and illegal drugs.
Meanwhile, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Administrator Ernesto G. Carolina who served as guest of honor and speaker for the commemoration, expressed appreciation and gratitude to the present provincial administration for the partnership in honouring and memorializing the heroic deeds of WW-II veterans.
Lingayen, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Carolina said, played a vital role in Philippine and WW-II history, noting that Lingayen Gulf Landings of the Allied Forces served as prelude to the Battle of Manila and its subsequent liberations.
“Lingayen became the ideal place for the take off of Philippine liberation, and today under the present provincial administration, was even more improved,” he added.
Calling Pangasinan as “Philippine cradle of heroes” considering the large number of WW-II veterans in the province which implies that Pangasinan has the most number
of heroes across the country, the PVAO administrator lauded the bravery of Pangasinenses that prevail over disasters that hit the province.
Also present during the activity were: Col. David B. Diciano of Philippine Army; National Defense Undersecretary Jesus Millan; Lt. Col. Bruce Murray, Defense Attache of Australian Embassy to the Philippines; Atty. James Curtis-Smith, President of Returned and Services League of Australia and Captain Brad White of Royal Australian Navy.
An exhibit featuring the miniature collection of the fleet of Lingayen Gulf Landings was also opened for public-viewing.
Medical mission for WW-II veterans also followed right after the commemoration program.