04 November 214 - The Bataan Legacy Historical Society, in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, hosted the “70th Anniversary of the battle of Leyte Gulf, Stories from World War II in the Philippines” on October 24, at the Philippine Center’s Kalayaan Hall.
Deputy Consul General Jaime Ramon Ascalon praised the veterans for “putting their lives on the line for the cause of freedom and democracy,” and added that “the Leyte Gulf Battles were an important chapter in the shared history of the Philippines and America” in his welcome remarks.
Bataan Legacy Historical Society founder Cecilia Gaerlan gave a comprehensive presentation on the role of Filipinos during World War II, and encouraged the guests to actively support efforts to retain the teaching of such roles in Grades 7 to 12 social science in California, which is encouraged by Assembly Bill No. 199. “It is our moral obligation to pass on to future generations the legacy of our ancestors who made huge sacrifices during World War II,” she said.
During the program, presentations on the Bataan Legacy project were made by Mr. Roderick Hall on the Memorare Manila 1945 and the Roderick Hall Collection on World War II in the Philippines; Retired US Navy Captain David Foote on the Battles of Leyte Gulf; Chief Johnny Jhonson on the USS San Francisco, and Ms. Gaerlan.
World War II veterans and civilians who were living in the Philippines during the war, as well as family members of deceased war veterans, shared their experiences during the event.
Showcased at the event were World War II memorabilia such as newspapers and books, uniforms and weapons. A replica of the Memorare Manila 1945, a monument erected at the corner of General Luna and Anda Streets in Intramuros, Manila on February 18, 1995, was also displayed. END