By Robbie Pangilinan
Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Gonzales Romualdez led the 73rd commemoration of the Leyte Gulf Landing on October 20.
Veterans of the Second World War joined the celebration, as well as Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs, retired General Arthur Tabaquero, and celebrity guest Janella Salvador.
World War 2 veteran Eduardo Bermudo, now 94 years old, still remembers the torment he and his comrades suffered during the war, and the continuing fight they are waging today for decent living.
“The US government didn’t recognize my father as a war veteran. All of our documents were lost during typhoon Yolanda. My father survived the war and the Bataan Death March. He even survived Yolanda, so he is a hero in our hearts,” said Carlos, son of the sergeant.
USec Tabaquero commended the organizers for giving tribute to the veterans who fought in the war, saying it is good for the youth to meet war veterans whose service and sacrifice gave us the peace and freedom we enjoy now.
“Kailangan tuloy-tuloy ito dahil magandang ipakita natin sa bagong henerasyon na dapat talaga ang pagmamahal natin sa ating bansa ay siyang manguna para sa kinabukasan ng Pilipinas (We must continually do this because it is good to show the new generation that our love for our country must come first for the future of the Philippines),” he added.
Commander Brian Clark , United States Navy expressed that he felt honored to be in the event and recognize the veterans who fought and survived World War II, as well as other veterans who continue to serve today.
“This place is so rich in history and as an American coming back here to Leyte, the site of the most famous naval battle in history, I think it encapsulates that shared history between the United States and the Philippines,” said Clark.
Mayor Romualdez shared how the Price Mansion was used as a temporary seat of Government following the proclamation of the restoration of civil government in the Philippines and served as the general headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur during World War II.
“The McArthur Memorial Park in Barangay Candahug, Palo, Leyte officially serves as a memorial for the iconic fulfillment of General Douglas McArthur’s 'I shall return' promise,” said the Mayor