LA UNION PAYS TRIBUTE TO HEROES ON 82ND ARAW NG KAGITINGAN, VETERANS WEEK
By: Joy Ann L. Gurtiza, GPC-LUPTO | Photos By: Mico Salamanca, LUPTO | Date: April 9, 2024
The Province of La Union joined the nation in honoring the gallant heroes of the past as it commemorated the 82nd Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) and Philippine Veterans Week, with the theme “Pagpaparangal sa Kagitingan ng mga Beterano: Saligan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino,” through a flag raising and wreath-laying ceremony held at the Shrine of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippine-Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL) in Barangay Darigayos, Luna, La Union on April 9, 2024.
Led by the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU), Municipal Government of Luna and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) - La Union, government officials, military representatives, veterans, and members of the community gathered to pay homage to the bravery and sacrifices of the Filipino veterans who fought for freedom and democracy.
PVAO Head Field Service Officer Adeadatus Retuta and veterans in attendance felt the heartfelt support and recognition given to them by the provincial government and the community.
Among the distinguished guests were PNP-RO1 Regional Director PBGEN Lou Frias Evangelista, Deputy Regional Director for Administration PBGEN Jovencio Badua, Jr., PNP-LUPPO Provincial Director PCOL Lambert Suerte, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post Commander Charlie Spain, Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) Regional President Vet. Ruben Magsi, VFP District President Vet. Julius Carang, and USAFIP-NL Military Shrine Officer-in-Charge Fischer Guererro, along with more than 150 Veterans from across the province and Veteran Post Presidents, Boys and Girls Scouts of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Teachers, Barangay Officials, and other attending entities.
In a speech delivered by Vice Gov. Mario Eduardo Ortega on behalf of Gov. Raphaelle Veronica "Rafy" Ortega-David, the importance of remembering the past and learning from the lessons of history was highlighted, "The bravery and dedication of our veterans serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedom. As we look back on their sacrifices, may we also remember the core values that they stood for — their courage, love, and dedication. I hope that we can embody even half the people that they were in our day-to-day endeavors."
On the other hand, Vet. David Abad, Post President of Veterans Federation of the Philippines - San Juan Post, shared, "Our duty to our country does not end in battle; it continues in the remembrance and honoring of those who have served before us." He urged everyone to carry on their legacy with pride and gratitude.
Committee Chairperson on Tourism Board Member Joy Ortega also expressed gratitude and admiration for the veterans, stating, "Our aim with this celebration is not only to honor the heroism and sacrifice of our veterans but also to inspire unity, peace, and progress for our nation. Their legacy is not just a chapter in our history books but a living testament to the values that should guide us in our daily lives."
The ceremony also included a patriotic performance by Dulaang ELYU, alongside a medical-dental mission and a showcase of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Market, aimed at raising awareness about the invaluable contributions and sacrifices made by Filipino veterans from La Union and throughout history.
In the spirit of #LaUnionPROBINSYAnihan, the PGLU is dedicated to upholding the ideals of freedom, democracy, and unity that our heroes fought so bravely to defend.
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