Hundreds of World War II veterans and their spouses and descendants, military officials, students, and local leaders, led by Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo, gathered Saturday at the Manuel L. Quezon Park to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation day of Dumaguete from Japanese occupation on April 26, 1945.
As part of the ceremony, Remollo and Ltc Michael Aquino led the dignitaries in laying wreaths before the Liberation Day marker in homage to the gallant men and women, Filipino guerillas and the US Army, who paid the ultimate price so the city can regain its freedom.
The liberation marker at the M.L. Quezon Park reads: “On this day 26th of April 1945 Dumaguete was liberated by a composite force of Filipino guerillas (75th and 77th Infantry Regiment) and units of the 164th Regiment, American Division, 8th Army, United States of America”.
Remollo expressed his deep gratitude and paid tribute to the heroism of the World War II veterans, who risked or lost their lives to free Dumaguete and its citizens from the Japanese Imperial soldiers, the city said.
Other speakers at the event also manifested their pride and appreciation to the bravery of the veterans, and commended the city government and concerned organizations for supporting the annual celebration.
Among the speakers were executive vice-president Miguel Angelo Mike Villareal of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines Sons and Daughters Association Inc., Veterans of World War II Board of Trustee Myra Duncila, VP for Operations of the Veteran Federation of the Philippines, retired Major General Ruben Carandang, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office assistant secretary Domingo Carbonell Jr., Rafael Crescencio Tan Jr. – president of the 4th Dumaguete City Veterans Post, and Captain Gerard Jutsze Pamate.
Major Vicente Ramon of the Chaplain Service led the invocation while Dumaguete Idol 2024 Brenaleen Poleno performed a fitting nationalistic song during the event, on the theme “Honoring the legacy, Living the Freedom”.
The 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army led in the military honors with three-volley salute. ||
