Post by VeeVee on Apr 15, 2009 22:07:50 GMT -5
Sent in by Frank...
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SIXTY-SEVEN years ago on April 9, the combined Filipino-American forces defending Bataan – weak and emaciated by lack of food, no medicine for the many sick with malaria, their antiquated rifles almost running out of ammo, and nothing to respond for the days of continuous aerial bombardment and artillery barrages – were surrendered by Major General Edward P. King to the enemy. It set into motion the infamous "Death March” that resulted in the death of thousands caused by hunger, disease, and the atrocities of their Japanese captors. Additional deaths in the tens of thousands came about during subsequent imprisonments.
It is to honor the heroism of those World War II defenders and to perpetuate that fateful episode in history that the Filipino Veterans Foundation has made the yearly commitment of having a Bataan Day commemoration, otherwise known as the Day of Valor. As it was last year, the April 9, 2009 event will be held at the Lake Street Park Monument in Filipinotown, Los Angeles.
In connection with the event FVF Executive Director Jenny L. Batongmalaque, MD, stated:
“The name Bataan brings to mind the last defense of the USAFFE Warriors, where boys became men, and men turned to martyrdom. With courage and commitment they gave their lives on the altar of freedom for love of country.
On April 9th we will give thanks for the measure of equity provided to Filipino World War II Veterans when President Barack Obama signed the Economic Stimulus Bill. This legislation finally recognized the gallant service these veterans provided to the United States.
We salute those who were slain on Bataan or died through the decades prior to this compensatory Act. They are the forgotten heroes whom we honor on April 9th 2009, on the 67th Anniversary on the Fall of Bataan. Our thoughts are also with the widows of these veterans who still languish in our midst.
Please join us in silent prayer and the pledge that these heroes will never be forgotten. We are forever indebted to their courageous sacrifice.”
Dr. Batongmalaque also said that the occasion will be an opportunity to acknowledge with gratitude the personnel of the Los Angeles County Veterans Service Office who have attended personally, beyond the call of duty, to the filing of claims by our veterans related to the stimulus benefits. As of this writing 260 Filipino veterans have filed claims through the coordinated efforts of the FVF and VSO. -- D. Grava
PROGRAM
April 9, 2009
Lake Street Park Monument
227 Lake Street Los Angeles, CA 90026
10:00 AM Memorial Mass
10:30 Registration/ Fellowship
11:00 Opening Ceremonies
Invocation will be led by Col. Butch Moreto (Ret.), founder of Cyberspace Prayer Warriors
Keynote Speaker is Col. Joseph Smith, director of the Military and Veterans Affairs of L.A. County, a strong advocate for our veterans’ cause and principal supporter of FVF from the start
The Philippine Consulate will be represented by Vice Consul Daniel Espiritu
A special guest from Tacoma, Washington, is Ret. BG Oscar Hilman. His grandfather was a Bataan defender.
Col. Romy Monteyro (Ret.) from Phoenix will pay tribute to the fallen and unsung heroes of Bataan
Pete Feliciano from Colorado and other guests will speak at the reception
Emcee is Col. Ralph Ramirez, another strong supporter of our veterans
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SIXTY-SEVEN years ago on April 9, the combined Filipino-American forces defending Bataan – weak and emaciated by lack of food, no medicine for the many sick with malaria, their antiquated rifles almost running out of ammo, and nothing to respond for the days of continuous aerial bombardment and artillery barrages – were surrendered by Major General Edward P. King to the enemy. It set into motion the infamous "Death March” that resulted in the death of thousands caused by hunger, disease, and the atrocities of their Japanese captors. Additional deaths in the tens of thousands came about during subsequent imprisonments.
It is to honor the heroism of those World War II defenders and to perpetuate that fateful episode in history that the Filipino Veterans Foundation has made the yearly commitment of having a Bataan Day commemoration, otherwise known as the Day of Valor. As it was last year, the April 9, 2009 event will be held at the Lake Street Park Monument in Filipinotown, Los Angeles.
In connection with the event FVF Executive Director Jenny L. Batongmalaque, MD, stated:
“The name Bataan brings to mind the last defense of the USAFFE Warriors, where boys became men, and men turned to martyrdom. With courage and commitment they gave their lives on the altar of freedom for love of country.
On April 9th we will give thanks for the measure of equity provided to Filipino World War II Veterans when President Barack Obama signed the Economic Stimulus Bill. This legislation finally recognized the gallant service these veterans provided to the United States.
We salute those who were slain on Bataan or died through the decades prior to this compensatory Act. They are the forgotten heroes whom we honor on April 9th 2009, on the 67th Anniversary on the Fall of Bataan. Our thoughts are also with the widows of these veterans who still languish in our midst.
Please join us in silent prayer and the pledge that these heroes will never be forgotten. We are forever indebted to their courageous sacrifice.”
Dr. Batongmalaque also said that the occasion will be an opportunity to acknowledge with gratitude the personnel of the Los Angeles County Veterans Service Office who have attended personally, beyond the call of duty, to the filing of claims by our veterans related to the stimulus benefits. As of this writing 260 Filipino veterans have filed claims through the coordinated efforts of the FVF and VSO. -- D. Grava
PROGRAM
April 9, 2009
Lake Street Park Monument
227 Lake Street Los Angeles, CA 90026
10:00 AM Memorial Mass
10:30 Registration/ Fellowship
11:00 Opening Ceremonies
Invocation will be led by Col. Butch Moreto (Ret.), founder of Cyberspace Prayer Warriors
Keynote Speaker is Col. Joseph Smith, director of the Military and Veterans Affairs of L.A. County, a strong advocate for our veterans’ cause and principal supporter of FVF from the start
The Philippine Consulate will be represented by Vice Consul Daniel Espiritu
A special guest from Tacoma, Washington, is Ret. BG Oscar Hilman. His grandfather was a Bataan defender.
Col. Romy Monteyro (Ret.) from Phoenix will pay tribute to the fallen and unsung heroes of Bataan
Pete Feliciano from Colorado and other guests will speak at the reception
Emcee is Col. Ralph Ramirez, another strong supporter of our veterans