PHL Consulate General in Chicago Takes Part in the 75th Annual Maywood Bataan Day
Consul General Generoso DG Calonge (center) with MBDO President Col. (Ret) Richard McMahon, Jr. (right) and MBDO Director Edward Brotonel (left) on the 75th Annual Memorial Service of Maywood Bataan Day.
20 September 2017 CHICAGO - The Consulate General of the Philippines in Chicago, together with members of the Filipino-American community, attended the 75h Annual Memorial Service of the Maywood Bataan Day at the Veterans Memorial, Maywood Park on September 10.
The Maywood Bataan Day Organization (MBDO) and the Village of Maywood put together this year’s special program to give honor and recognition to the sons of Maywood who made up Company B, 192nd Tank Battalion, as well as the thousands of Filipino and American soldiers who displayed extraordinary gallantry and courage beyond the call of duty in defending Bataan and Corregidor in 1942.
The event started with a musical tribute playing various military marching songs from the 144th Ceremonial Band of the Illinois National Guard and World War songs sung by Kathy and John Atwood.
MBDO Vice President and master of ceremonies Marine Major (Ret) Edwin H. Walker IV introduced the color guards followed by the singing of the Philippine and US national anthems. MBDO President Army Col. (Ret) Richard McMahon, Jr. introduced special guests who were in attendance that day.
In his remarks, Consul General Generoso DG Calonge said: “Bataan has made its mark in history because it tells a story of bravery, valor and indefatigable sense of duty of Filipino and American soldiers who fought for freedom. Let us honor them by continuing to work together for only through genuine concern and desire for the well-being of our countries and countrymen that we become truly worthy of our forefathers’ sacrifices.”
One of the highlights of the service is the posthumous awarding of medals of honor to the family of Sgt. Norman Spencer. Maj. Gen. Richard J. Hayes Jr., Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard presented the American medals of honor, while the Philippine Defense Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation Badge were given by Consul General Calonge.
Dedication of the Bataan Memorial Wall and a World War I Artillery piece followed by the traditional annual wreath laying concluded the day’s event. END
For more information, visit www.chicagopcg.dfa.gov.ph; www.chicagopcg.com or https://www.facebook.com/PHinChicago.
Consul General Generoso DG Calonge presents the Philippine Defense Medal and Presidential Citation Unit Badge to Clara Spencer-Fiedler, sister of Sgt. Norman Spencer of the 192nd Tank Battalion, and her family. (photo courtesy of Mr. Arnel Santiago)