Our mission is to "Remember".

[moroni]

Every year our Lipa Stake youth from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds a 3 days conference and this year it was decided that we will visit the Province of Bataan. The second day we hiked Mt. Samat and the Stake youth leaders asked me to give a lecture on the Battle of Bataan. My wife suggested I wore my Scout uniform and that gained their attention.

[moroni]

I tried to portray a Philippine Scout soldier with what I have, although lacking in some gear, I tried to make up in the stories and history of our Filipino American troops who denied the Japanese the easy victory they hoped for.Met Bong, who is the tour guide there in Mt. Samat. He admired my uniform and wished that PVAO ( Philippine Veteran Affairs Office) will issue him a uniform so he can also represent our vets in proper attire, befitting a PA or PS.Some youth leaders in our group. There were about 220 young men and young women in attendance, all from Batangas Province. Especially interesting was the participation of the 1st Battalion, 43rd Infantry, of the 41st Division, which hailed from Batangas Province. They held the front line of the north west side of Mt. Samat and suffered the 5 hours of intense bombing of the April 3, Good friday Offensive . I urged the youth to search out their ancestors that might have fought here in Bataan and a few have mentioned that they have relatives that did actually served here.

[VeeVee]

Moroni you look outstanding! Did you already have the impression back when you first told us about your grandfather?

Keep it up. Kudos!

[moroni]

Thanks VeeVee, the gas mask, leggings, and helmet was purchased back in the 90's. The ammo belt and bayonet belongs to my grandfather, and the uniform I had made to order from our friend in Marikina, back when I first started in this forum. Was one of the lone wolf that joined the reenactment at Fort Stotsenburg last April 8, 2012, and was able to purchase the PS patch. Slowly but surely, an on going process to build up my impression. Hoping to purchase a campaign hat, if there are any available here in the P.I.

[VeeVee]

Very cool. Great suggestion from you wife

Do you remember where you bought the helmet from?

[moroni]

Thanks VeeVee, my wife appreciates your comment. I purchased the helmet for $20 at ARMY BARRACKS, INC. at Newbury Street, Boston, Massachusetts way back in the 90's.

[VeeVee]

$20 wow good deal!

In 1982, I found one in Dau for P80 pesos which was a great deal of money back then. It was undoubtedly a WW2 surplus relic. I knew my parents wouldn't buy it for me.

Anyway, please share anymore similar educational events you may participate in in the future. Thanks!