Unveiling: Filipino WWII Veterans Memorial

[VeeVee]

Guys, see if you can attend this events since this will be in your neck of the woods. Maybe you can offer your honor guard services for the unveiling just like what you did last week for the wreath laying.

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Filipino World War II Veterans Memorial
a new public art work by
Cheri Gaulke

Veterans Day, Sat., Nov. 11, 2006, 9:30 am
Lake Street Park in Historic Filipinotown
227 N. Lake Street, Los Angeles
(1 block west of Alvarado and 1 block north of Beverly Blvd.)

Project Description: The project memorializes the brave men of the Philippines who fought side-by-side with American soldiers during WWII, and commemorates the fight to gain recognition from the US government as war veterans in the service to the United States. Five large black granite monoliths rise from the ground and two granite benches allow viewers to sit in meditation before them. Engraved onto the face of the monoliths are photographs and text that succinctly tell the story of these veterans' many sacrifices for the United States. Included in the images is a map of the Philippines denoting significant sites. Key words are etched in English and Tagalog in the memorial.

In 1990, a federal law was passed awarding citizenship to Filipinos who had fought on the side of the US in WWII. The legislation, however, did not consider veteran's benefits. In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Fall of Bataan, President George W. Bush and the US Congress are being asked to support new legislation that would extend full and equitable benefits to the veterans. This memorial makes a statement of support for these efforts.

The memorial was commissioned by City Council President Eric Garcetti and is made possible by a Community Development Block Grant provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Community Development Department of the City of Los Angeles and the Neimann Properties Arts Development Fee commitment through the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of LA.

Art Consultant: Lesley Elwood and Associates

Project Manager: Joseph Bernardo, CD13

Additional Support: Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA), Dept. of Recreation and Parks, Dept. of Cultural Affairs, City Council District 13, City of Los Angeles.


_______________________________
Cheri Gaulke
home/studio: 2407 Lake View Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90039
323 662-3940
[e-mail]

[legionnaire]

Hi Vic,
Yes we were again asked by Dr. jenny Batongmalaque for this event. And have committed for Nov. 11

Thanks for this great new info as I was not aware of the memorial art work to be displayed.

Philip

[VeeVee]

Excellent! As usual, post the pictures here!

I wonder if they would have something for the 65th anniversary of the Bataan surrender (Araw ng Kagitingan)?

[legionnaire]

I know Dr. Batongmalaque has booked us for Dec. 8 which falls on a Friday for the Surprise attack on the Philippines.

And for sure we will be asked to do some honor guard for April 9 65th Anniversary of Araw ng Kagitingan. I hope Perry Javier can organize and present a Bataan Honor Guard there on Mt. Samat also. I think he will need more of our help on this.

Have you seen the link I posted to Dr. Batongmalaque's office at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall which is being renovated by the City of LA ? I can't wait for that reopening for our Honor Guard to Participate in. And possible a home for my 1/6 Filipino soldiers to be on permanent display.

Philip

[VeeVee]

Yes I hope your 1/6 hero figures finds a home there.

[VeeVee]

Hi guys, have fun and do well at the Veteran's Day event tomorrow. Post pictures.

[VeeVee]

I found this online. I think this is the event Philip and the Ortegas are participating in:

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Historic Filipinotown People's CORE /JFAV Annual Veterans Day Parade, November 11, 2006

The Historic Filipinotown is all set for the 6th JFAV Annual Veterans Day. The 6th Annual Veterans Day Parade and Community Health Fair in Historic Filipino town in Los Angeles will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2005 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Unveiling of the World War II Memorial for Filipino American WWII Veterans

The annual community event will start with the unveiling of the Filipino World War II Memorial Monument at the Lake Street Park 227 N. Lake St. at 9:00 in the morning. The memorial monument is a tribute of the City of Los Angeles to honor the contribution of Filipino Word War II veterans during the Second World War. Invited guests are Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, federal,state and city officials. Philippine Consulate officials, Filipino veteran, community, youth and student leaders

After the unveiling ceremonies, from Lake St.Park. The parade will start at 10:30 am with more than 25 Filipino veterans, community, youth and students organizations led by the JFAV as the parade vanguard.

The parade will end at FACLA where a cultural program and a community fair will be held around 12;30 PM after the parade. Different health providers will give free services to the community while entertainment and cultural numbers will regale the public.