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Pinoy Abroad

Hawaii governor fetes Fil-Am World War II veterans


Filipino World War II veterans in Hawaii in the United States received praises from the state's governor during the Araw ng Kagitingan rites held there earlier this month. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie praised the courage and heroism of the veterans during the event held on April 4. "In an emotional speech, Governor Abercrombie spoke of his deep respect and appreciation for the Filipino World War II veterans' heroism and courage," the DFA said in a news release posted on its website. "He stated that he was humbled by the opportunity to deliver the main message in commemoration of one of the most important dates in Philippine-United States' shared history," the DFA added. According to the DFA, the event was held at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP) at Punchbowl, Honolulu. Honored at the rites were the veterans of World War II, led by:

  • World War II Filipino-American Veterans and Ladies Auxiliary Hawaii Chapter president Arturo Caleda;
  • Philippine Scout Veterans Organization of Hawaii president Felix Cabangon;
  • First Filipino Infantry Regiment of the United States Army president Domingo Los Banos;
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars president Ben Acohido, and
  • the remaining members of their organization. Philippine Consul General Leoncio Cardenas delivered the "Araw ng Kagitingan" address and led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Philippine marker in honor of the Filipino and American soldiers who fought during World War II, the DFA said. The other guest speakers included Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle and Pacific Air Forces Commander Gen. Gary North, who delivered a message for and on behalf of the U.S. Pacific Command. The guests at the rites included Maui Mayor Allan Arakawa and Bernard Kauai Mayor Carvalho, and members of the State Legislature's Philippine Caucus led by Senator Clarence Nishira and Representatives John Henry Aquino and Kimberly Marcos Pine. Visiting National Economic and Development Authority Director General Cayetano Paderanga, Jr., Philippine mayors and other Philippine government local officials also attended the event, the DFA said. The DFA said the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii (PCCCH) and various Filipino community organizations and leaders supported the event. The U.S. Pacific Command provided the military component of the event including the Honor Guards, the Firing Detail and the Pacific Fleet Band. - VVP, GMA News
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