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Post by VeeVee on May 21, 2007 21:05:55 GMT -5
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Post by VeeVee on May 21, 2007 21:06:32 GMT -5
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Post by VeeVee on May 21, 2007 21:07:02 GMT -5
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Post by Rogue2 on May 22, 2007 0:53:04 GMT -5
Nice photos guys!
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Post by VeeVee on May 22, 2007 8:43:50 GMT -5
Thanks Rogue. The color guard entry didn't go as smoothly as we had hoped in the beginning. We didn't have enough time to practice. We didn't know the exact layout until the last half hour. We tried to recon the place but it wasn't setup until the very close to when the event started. We made a plan but there were too many unrehearsed details and factors. Hopefully the only obvious booboo was when one fo the flags snagged a sprinkler nozzle jutting down from the ceiling, and when the flag I was carrying poked the ceiling going up the stage.
We did redeem ourselves with a nice, simple, short, and snappy taps sequence.
It was a great event though. We got to meet many of the vets, including Col. Ramsey himself who led the cavalry charge in Bataan. One of the troopers in that charge, Dan Figuracion (wearing an OD shirt with medals and citations on his chest) entertained us with his cavalry stories. He was very sprightly and full of energy. He was such a nice guy and even asked me to unlace my boots so he could demonstrate to us the quick way of lacing them. He also answered many uniform and gear questions for us. He examined my lanyard and with a hint of nostalgia in his voice asked, "where do you get these things?" At one point we were tired from the day's events and wanted to sit down. Dan kept on his feet. What a guy.
Gen. Oscar Hilman was there as a guest of honor. He's the 3rd highest ranking Filipino in the US Army today. What a nice guy too.
We met Col. Olson, an officer with the 57th Infantry PS and author of three books. He signed Philip's book. At one point during the party, he passed us on his way out and said "yup, that's what we wore..."
Col. Ramsey also passed by at one point and said "very nice uniform".
It was both humbling and inspiring to meet these veterans. I wish I had also met the veterans in LA when you guys held the April 9th and May 6th events.
Joe Calugas, Senator John Patterson, and other members were so appreciative of our efforts. In his speech, Sen. Patterson said that a long time ago while witnessing civil war reenactors, he had thought to himself that there probably wouldn't ever be any Phil. Scout reenactors. He was very delighted to now have seen some, evidence that their memories are being kept alive.
One of the organizers for next year's reunion in San Francisco was already inquiring about our availability for memorial day weekend next year. Doh! I can't go to that one, that's my wedding anniversary. But it may be possible for you California guys to go especially since it can be a road trip instead of a plane ride.
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Post by legionnaire on May 22, 2007 9:26:19 GMT -5
Have your wedding anniversary at the 2008 memorial day reunion! ;D Thanks for posting the pics Vic. Were there more pics with us and the Vets behind the PS flag? I believe this was the very first time the PSHS's reunion had a color guard and a bugler perform for their event. I am so glad that they enjoyed our participation and contribution. The highlight for me was meeting veterans Col. Ramsey and Dan Figuracion and his stories. The other VIP guests I had the great opportunity to meet were, veteran Col. Olsen who signed my book courtesy of Victor. And meeting President John Patterson too. Trooper Figuracion of F troop was with this unit an eyewitness described below: "Since the 8th of Dec. Manilenos had watched thousands of troops moving north. Fourteen year old Enrique Zobel remembered standing outside the family home on Dewey Boulevard and watching the long columns of the 26th Cavalry. The Last Horse unit in the American Army, rode north along the Boulevard from Fort Mckinley. More than 50 years later he still though it one of the most moving sights he had ever beheld.
Robert Allen an American engineer, witnessed the same sight, and was moved almost to tears. For a generation brought up on Hollywood movies, this was the way to go to war. "“The Battle of Manila” pp 31, Richard Connaughton, John Pimlott & Duncan Anderson This was one event that was really worth the travel I wish it was one more day longer. I would like to thank ART GARCIA a great host and showed us around town and the man who introduced us to Joe Calugas and the PSHS!
I thank you JOE CALUGAS organizer and President for the Tacoma chapter for his incredible support and hospitality. For providing the flags too. And finally you VICTOR for your participation and dedication and the gifts you gave me. And TEDDY for his talented bugle calls and participation really helped make the event a success. The first is always the best! Philip
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Post by VeeVee on May 22, 2007 14:47:32 GMT -5
These are not all the pictures. I just need more time to upload more. So stay tuned...
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Post by Battlemaster on May 22, 2007 18:46:45 GMT -5
Great stuff guys! I love the boots and leggings. You seem to have a lot of dignitaries. I'm surprised that Col Ramsey is still alive today and looking good. Wasn't he supposed to have led the last cavalry charge in WW2 or was that just a myth?
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Post by VeeVee on May 22, 2007 19:21:53 GMT -5
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Post by VeeVee on May 22, 2007 19:37:43 GMT -5
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Post by frank on May 22, 2007 20:18:40 GMT -5
You guys look good.
Did anyone take a video?
Save your airmiles and convince wife to celebrate anniversary in SF. Fly in Wednesday or leave SF Wedneday after weekend.
Congrats again.
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Post by legionnaire on May 22, 2007 20:34:56 GMT -5
Yes there was Donald Plata Pinoy filmmaker who video taped the whole convention meet and has been interviewing all the vets. He is doing a docu film about the story of MOH Calugas. And he will be in the big reenactment event in Reading to video Victor for more action scnes portraying Calugas. He is also putting together his own PS uniform with gear.
Philip
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Post by VeeVee on May 22, 2007 23:40:01 GMT -5
More pictures. Second row captions: - Col. Ramsey looks like he's going over an attack plan with Philip... but he was actually describing the inaccuracies of the cavalry charge painting - Trooper Dan Figuracion, who entertained us with his cavalry stories - Col. Ramsey with Teddy - Capt. Nick Golla and Cpl. Agustin Lacao (both 57th Infantry PS) - Col. Olson with Major Urbano Quijance (they were reunited at the event; they hadn't seen each other since 1942!) VIDEO: Col. Olson in an earlier panel discussion talking about the Scouts' marksmanship
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Post by RayAdillO on May 24, 2007 19:32:17 GMT -5
Smash hit performance lads!...Class A all the way.
BTW, what is is film showing at the back of Olsen? Is it an old documentary we never knew about?
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Post by VeeVee on May 24, 2007 23:18:35 GMT -5
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Post by legionnaire on May 25, 2007 16:25:07 GMT -5
Los Tres Caballeros! ;D Phil, Ted & Vic
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Post by milspec on May 28, 2007 11:58:44 GMT -5
Greetings Gentlemen,
Great Pictures and I bet a great event too. You guys look sharp and very authentic. My hat of to you Philip, Teddy and Victor. I'm sure the veterans appreciated all your efforts in keeping their memories alive and I'm sure you were also honored and humbled to be in the presence of such great men. My congratulations and again I salute you.
milspec
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Post by VeeVee on May 28, 2007 16:21:35 GMT -5
Thanks milspec, yes I was very humbled and in awe of the veterans. It was also nice that at least 3 generations of their respective families were in attendance. Not just those who were alive during the war. It shows that they are "on board" with the heritage. -vic
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Post by legionnaire on May 28, 2007 23:39:21 GMT -5
Hi Victor, Philip, and Teddy, I really appreciate you for coming to our reunion. You made the occasion a success and so with Teddy, Philip, and Arturo. You and your group were the talk of the reunion. Thank you for sending the pictures, I forwarded your e-mail to the members and friends. Hope to see each other again, probably next year reunion in San Francisco. Maraming Salamat, Joe Calugas
I really had a great time participating and meeting the Veterans. My little contribution to somehow repay them by honoring them for their sacrifices and sufferings they endured and the freedom we now enjoy.
Phlip
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Post by arm61uic on May 29, 2007 23:03:18 GMT -5
Philippine Scout Reenactors: we of the organizing committee (GGBAC President Cion Rael, P.R.O. Gregory Timbol, and Dr. Anthony Rama Maravillas, among others) of the 2008 PSHS Reunion (Golden Gate Bay Area Chapter, sponsor) hereby invite you-all to the 2008 Reunion. It will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel-SFO on 23 to 24 May 2008.
Be prepared to participate in the ceremonies, including acting as the Honor Guard during the Opening events and the Roll Call of the Philippine Scouts. We do require a bugler for Formation, Mess-Hall, and Taps, also.
You will not be the only ones in period clothing/uniform: the theme for the event is "The 1940s," of course. Thus, attendees are called upon to dress in their best 1940s civilian and military duds. There will reportedly be a few females sporting the Veronica Lake "peek-a-boo" hairstyle.
See you then---by the way, we will provide dinner for all of you.
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