Who among “Generation Z” and “Gen Alpha” can still understand the heroic sacrifices of our soldiers during World War II?
The recent 47th U.S. Congressional Gold Medal Awarding Ceremony held at the Pacita Astrodome in San Pedro City, Laguna last July 21 has served a double purpose.
Not only does the award aim to honor the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for the liberty of the Philippines during World War II, it now aims to introduce a new generation to what courage and valor really means.
According to the San Pedro City Tourism, Culture and Arts Office (CTCAO), who organized the event along with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), the United States Embassy in the Philippines, and the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP), said this is the first time such an awarding ceremony was held in Laguna province.
San Pedro City, Laguna Mayor Art Mercado, Vice Mayor Niña Almoro, Councilor Gius Castasus, and Laguna 1st District Board Member Bernadeth Olivares presided over the awarding ceremonies, along with former Defense Assistant Secretary and VFP Laguna 1st District Post President Jesus Rey Avilla.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro was represented by Undersecretary Pablo Lorenzo, while PVAO Administrator Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, US Department of Veterans Affairs – Manila Assistant Director Keith Sekuterski, and Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) representative US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Ku also graced the occasion.
During the ceremonies, a total of 12 surviving World War II veterans in Laguna and Batangas provinces, as well as descendants of 38 deceased World War II veterans and heroes, were all given replicas of the U. S. Congressional Gold Medal.
Among those honored was San Pedrense hero Abelardo "Ka Remo" Remoquillo, a leader of the ROTC Hunters guerrilla group that made daring exploits in liberating Filipino and American prisoners of war in Los Baños in 1945.
The U. S. Congressional Gold Medal is considered one of the highest civilian awards given in the United States, alongside the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The award, given by the United States Congress, expresses the highest national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals or institutions.
The awarding of the U. S. Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino World War II veterans was established under the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-265), signed by former United States President Barack Obama in 2016.
This distinguished recognition serves as a lasting tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering service of Filipino veterans during World War II.
“The ceremony reaffirms the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the United States and ensuring that the legacy of our veterans continues to be remembered and honored by future generations,” the San Pedro CTCAO said in a social media statement.
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