By Claro A. Lanipa
Pagadian City -- The city joined the entire nation in the commemoration of "Araw ng Kagitingan" and Philippine Veterans Week held infront of the City Hall complex ,last April 9, 2009.
The simple but fitting program was graced by no less than MGen. Romeo Lustestica, Commanding General, 1st Infantry "Tabak" Division, Philippine Army; Board Member Ernesto Mondarte and City Councilor Bienvenido Culve representing Governor Aurora Cerilles and City Mayor Samuel Co respectively; members of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines led by Ret. Sgt. Salvador Pueblo, District Commander, 1st District of Zamboanga del Sur; regional, provincial and city officials and employees.
MGen. Lustestica in his message honored the remaining veterans by saying, “you – our beloved veterans are no less than living heroes. You are living testaments of courage, patriotism, and selflessness. You give our nation pride, you offer hope to all of us. You make us believe that as Filipinos, we can rise up to be the best when moment requires us to do so,” Lustestica said.
The proud saga of our veterans' heroism in defense of freedom and democracy is ever fresh in our minds. We know of our veterans' valor during the Second World War where a great generation of Filipino fighters fought, persevered and won against foreign aggression and tyranny. History has even documented the trials and tribulations endured by the Filipino veterans at the height of the Japanese occupation … starvation, fatigue, physical pains, mental torture, and psychological stress, Gen. Lustestica said.
“We in the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division are aware that the institution we serve inherits the ideals that our veterans fought and died for, being in a unit that once gained prominence in the war against the Japanese forces. It is but fitting that we pay tribute in their honor and extol their gallantry anew in recognition of their awesome contributions during those critical times when sovereignty of the nation was put at stake. Kami ang bag-ong mga binhi nga nakaandam nga mahimong sandiganan sa malign-on natong Republika, sama sa gihimo ninyo niadtong nangaging panahon. (We are the new seeds prepared to lean on of our strong Republic, just like what you have done in the past)”, Gen. Lustestica added.
Zamboanga del Sur Governor Aurora Cerilles also said, in today's fitting ceremony, is our way of giving tribute to them, our gratitude for their gallantry indeed, they set an example for us in today's difficult times as we are facing grave economic and social problem and terror. The heroes who died in defense of our country embrace a collective destiny and gave their all for the Filipino nations. To them we offer our gratitude and we remember them in this time of challenges the country and the world is going through. Today we need the same heroes for us to win and overcome. We need to renew our commitment for oneness and cooperation let us remember that we are brothers and the choice is for us to learn to live together as brothers or perished together as fools. This message was delivered and read by Board Member Ernesto Mondarte.
The program was concluded with the laying of floral offering at the veteran's marker by the different head of agencies and departments and the simultaneous singing of "Ako ay Pilipino." (PIA9-Pagadian)
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