Araw ng Kagitingan: Leyte pays tribute to Filipino soldiers

TACLOBAN CITY , Philippines  — Leyte's observance of the Araw ng Kagitingan and of the Philippine Veterans Week was held with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument of the Filipino Soldier at Brgy. Pawing of Palo, Leyte yesterday morning.

Leyte Provincial Board Member Roque Tiu (1st dist., Leyte), representing Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, led the ceremonies which he described as a form of gratitude of the province, region, country and people to the soldiers who died to preserve freedom and liberty for every Filipino.

"The provincial government of Leyte, under the leadership of Governor Petilla, will continue to honor the World War II veterans, and hope that the people (of the province) will continue to emulate the strong commitment of the Filipino soldiers to the cause of freedom and democracy," said Tiu.

Also present in the rites were Col John Bonafos, commander of the Ormoc City-based 802nd Infantry Brigade representing 3rd Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Mario Chan, and District Commander Apolinario Canillas of the Palo Post of the Philippine Veterans Association of the Philippines.

The tribute, attended also by surviving Filipino veterans of the World War II, was completed with the 21 gun salute by the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The Araw ng Kagitingan, with this year's theme "Beterano, Huwaran ng Lahing Pilipino," has been aimed at propagating the veteran's heroic deeds, and providing inspiration to the Filipino people on the Filipino soldiers strong commitment to the cause of freedom and democracy.