PIA Press Release
2010/04/06
Tacloban City (April 6) -- April 5 to 11 is observed as Philippine Veterans Week pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 466 issued on September 14, 1989.The celebration encourages the holding of activities that pay tribute to all Filipino veterans who survived or perished during the Philippine Revolution, World Wars 1 and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and other conflicts where Philippine military contingents helped preserve the cause of the world peace.
Data gathered from the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office showed that a Sunshine Ceremony was conducted on April 5 at 6:00 o'clock in the morning at the Libingan ng mga Bayani to symbolize the Opening of the week-long celebration. The activity provided the veterans an opportunity to honor their fallen comrades by way of wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.
On the same day, a wreath laying ceremony was also conducted at the same venue where different sectors of the government particularly the youth represented by students, Boy and Girl Scouts, pay homage to the veterans through floral and wreath offerings.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines' way of honoring the Filipino heroes was the conduct of a parade and review in honor of veterans held at the Philippine Army's Hunters ROTC Guerilla Field with Congresswoman Herminia B. Roman as the Guest of Honor.
On April 6, a book launching and ribbon-cutting event for an exhibit "Victory at Besang Pass" will be held at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Theater Lobby/Museum.
Bessang Pass was the last stronghold of the Japanese imperial forces under General Tomoyuki Yamashita, known as the "Tiger of Malaya" and conqueror of Singapore. It was part of the triangular defense of General Yamashita in the north, the other two being Balete Pass and the Villaverde Trail that guarded the Ifugao-Benguet-Viscaya borders. Its fall into the hands of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines-Northern Luzon (USAFP-NL) on June 14, 1945, paved the way for the entrapment of Yamashita's forces in the Cordilleras and the General's surrender on September 2, 1945.
On April 7, a Tribute to All Filipino Heroes will be held at the Corregidor Island to pay tribute to the country?s heroes from Lapu-Lapu to the Katipuneros of the Philippine Revolution, the World War II soldiers and guerrillas, and the participants in the 1986 EDSA Revolution.
The observance will culminate with Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9 at the Mt. Samat Shrine in Bataan. Formerly called ""Bataan Day,'' the designation of this tragic event was changed to "Araw ng Kagitingan'' to highlight the valor and heroism of the men who fought in Bataan. This historic event is also commemorated in various places nationwide and some areas in the United States.
On April 10, Paggunita sa Capas will be held to honor those who suffered during the Death March of 1942 at the Capas National Shrine in Tarlac.
Finally, on April 11, a closing Sunset Ceremony will be held at the Libingan ng mga Bayani where widows, children, and other relatives will pay their respects to departed veterans by lighting candles in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
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Me must not forget our forefathers who fought for our freedom.
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