The U.S. Congressional Gold Medal was conferred on 41 Filipino World War II veterans during the 25th awarding ceremony held at the AFP Commissioned Officers Country, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The award was received by 14 living veterans and 27 posthumous recipients from H.E. Marykay L. Carlson, Ambassador of the United States of America to the Philippines; Acting Undersecretary of National Defense, USec Angelito M De Leon, representing the Secretary of National Defense, Sec. Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr.; PVAO Administrator Reynaldo B Mapagu; OIC, OUSCVRA, USec Ignacio B Madriaga; U.S. DVA Acting Director Nathan Paul Loftis II; and Chief, JUSMAG-P Col Edward Evans.
The other officials present were PVAO led by ASec. Restituto L Aguilar; LtGen Arthur M Cordura, VCSAFP; LtGen Charlton Sean M Gaerlan, TDCS, AFP and; the awardees and their families led by Atty Herminio “Harry” L Roque, Jr.
USec Mapagu noted the significance of the U.S. CGM as a testament to the service and bravery of Filipino soldiers and guerillas during World War II.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Carlson cited the CGM awarding ceremonies as among the highlights of her assignment in the Philippines. She underscored that the selfless acts, bravery, admirable tenacity, and sacrifices of World War II veterans were not in vain and exhorted everyone to continue honoring the legacy of those who fought during World War II.
In the testimonial read by USec De Leon, Sec. Teodoro emphasized that our veterans won not only the liberation of the Philippines but also the restoration of human dignity and democratic way of life. The SND shared President Ferdinand R. Marcos’ marching order to ensure the welfare of our country’s veterans and give them the best care and preserve their heroic legacy.
Atty Herminio “Harry” L l. Roque, Jr., delivered the response on behalf of the awardees, sharing that both sides of his family answered the call to arms during World War II. He said his relatives’ involvement in the war inspired him to show his love for country in the manner that he does. He called on his fellow recipients and everyone else to pledge on the graves of their ancestors to continue displaying love for country and to defend its territorial integrity.
The awarding ceremony was jointly organized by the Department of National Defense, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, and the United States Embassy in Manila.
