Members of the Filipino-American Veterans of Hampton Roads carry the United States and Virginia State colors during dedication ceremonies for the new Visitor’s Center of the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, Virginia, on 13 October 2012. The MacArthur Memorial is a museum and research center dedicated to preserving and presenting the story of the life of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur who is remembered by Filipinos as the liberator of the Philippines. The Memorial also pays tribute to the millions of men and women who served with General MacArthur in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. (Photo by Ed Pelausa)
The Filipino Veterans Foundation /E.R.B. Foundation in cooperation with the City of Carson and Carson High School, hosts a 5-K Walkathon at the Carson Civic Center on October 19, from 8 AM to 12 Noon to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Leyte Landing. The walkathon starts and ends for 3 laps at the Rizal Monument of the Carson Community Center, 801 E. Carson St., Carson.
The Liberation of the Philippines has been immortalized by the following historical passage:
“Returning once again to the beach, MacArthur stepped before the microphone of a portable radio set. His voice reflected the deep emotion behind his words as he began: ‘This is the Voice of Freedom, General MacArthur speaking. People of the Philippines: I have returned.!’
Stanley Falk, Liberation of the Philippines.”
The 70th Anniversary of Leyte Landing will be marked with a festival air to say “thank you” to the Liberators who are in our midst but are few and far between. Memorializing the 200,000 American GI’s who landed in Leyte 70 years ago, this event will honor a few of the 10 % of survivors who are now in their 90’s. The youth and the community participating in the Walkathon would dedicate this day to the Liberators by celebrating an expression of our freedom and democracy. Everyone is invited to join. Please call Mr. Romy Bejo at E.R.B. Foundation for details: 310-835-8365. T-shirts are available for a donation of $25. Registration is $ 20.
On October 20, The Filipino Veterans Foundation hosts a Historical Forum which will be presented at the Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, 1816 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, starting at 9 AM to Noon. A film on the Liberation of the Philippines and the Final Days of WWII in the Pacific will precede the presentations of Historians, namely Ret. Col. Roger McGrath and Jay Wertz, emceed by Ret. Col. Ralph Ramirez, former Director of California Military Education Project. The Honor Guards and elected Officials will present their tributes along with Special Guests. A Keynote Address will be delivered by Consul Gen. Leo Herrera-Lim.
Admission is FREE to the public. Contact Don Lawrence of the Filipino Veterans Foundation at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall: 213-765-9635 for details.