PH Consulate General in Chicago Honors Filipino WWII Veterans at Congressional Gold Medal Presentation Ceremony
A wreath laying ceremony was held at the Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Bridge in Chicago to honor Filipino WWII veterans. The wreath laying ceremony was attended by (L-R) Mr. Alvar Rosales, Ms. Phoebe Doruelo, Consul Mechor P. Lalunio, Jr. Mr. Joey Erandio, MG Antonio M. Taguba (US Army Retired), Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin, MG Richard Hayes of the Illinois National Guard, Commander Clemente Rodriguez of the American Legion, Ms. Rose San Diego, Ms. Hazel Garcia, Mr. Gregory Wangerin, Mr. Thomas Choi and Ms. Abbey Eusebio. (Photo courtesy of Mr. Arnel Santiago)
16 April 2018 CHICAGO — The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago recognized the courage and sacrifices of Filipino WWII veterans during the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony at the Consulate General premises on the 76th commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), 9 April.
The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the two highest civilian honors the United States can bestow.
Five WWII veterans attended the event while 17 were represented by their family members.
Consul General Gina Jamoralin led the ceremony together with Major General Antonio M. Taguba, the current chairperson of the Filipino Veterans and Recognition and Education Project (FilVetRep) and Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard Major General Richard Hayes.
“Today we recall and retell the stories of courage, bravery, and unfaltering sense of duty of Filipinos and American soldiers, who, as comrades-in-arms, fought for freedom in the fields of battle in the Philippines during the World War II. We shall honor the memories of sacrifices of our Filipino and American soldiers in Bataan and we shall ensure that Bataan shall be forever remembered,” said Consul General Jamoralin in her opening remarks.
MG Antonio M. Taguba, in his keynote speech, acknowledged the contributions of the Filipino WWII veterans as an important part of American military history. He also emphasized that their accomplishments deserve the foremost recognition from the U.S. government through the Congressional Gold Medal. END
For more information, visit www.chicagopcg.dfa.gov.ph/ www.chicagopcg.com or https://www.facebook.com/PHinChicago.
Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin delivers her welcome remarks during Congressional Gold Medal ceremony at the 76th Commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan held at the Consulate General. Seated from left are MG Richard Hayes and MG Antonio Taguba.
Major General Antonio M. Taguba delivers his keynote speech at the packed 70-seat capacity of the Kalayaan Hall of the Consulate General. (Photo courtesy of Mr. Arnel Santiago)
WWII Filipino veteran Mr. Emilio Garcera receives his medal (bronze duplicate) from Major General Antonio M. Taguba during the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony at the Consulate General. (Photo courtesy of Mr. Arnel Santiago)
Seated (from left): Filipino WWII living veterans Mr. Emilio Garcera, Mr. Jesus Groyon, Mr. Fortunato Mallari, Mr. Reuel Nuñez and Mr. Dominador Ramirez after the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medals. Standing (from left): Mr. Sean Conejos, MG Richard Hayes, Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin, NOK Ella Basilio, NOK Nel Caronongan, Ms. Severina Groyon, NOK Jerry Clarito, NOK Tess Claveria, NOK George Molina, NOK Primepare Pal and MG Antontio Taguba. (Photo courtesy of Mr. Arnel Santiago)