Forty-one Filipino veterans were awarded the United States Congressional Gold Medal on Friday, July 30, as a testament to the service and bravery of soldiers and guerillas during the World War II.
(Photo: DND)
The medals were given to 14 living veterans and the families of 27 posthumous recipients during a ceremony at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Commissioned Officers Country in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr. shared that the activity was part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos' marching order to him to “ensure the welfare of our country's veterans and give them the best care and preserve their heroic legacy.”
“Our veterans won not only the liberation of the Philippines but also the restoration of human dignity and democratic way of life,” Teodoro said in a testimonial read by DND Acting Undersecretary Angelito M. De Leon.
The Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) is the highest award bestowed by the US Congress to an individual or group who “contributed immeasurably to American history and culture, honors the service and sacrifice of Filipino and American World War II veterans.”
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to the Philippines Marykay L. 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” as these exhorted everyone to continue honoring the legacy of those who fought during World War II.
The awarding ceremony was jointly organized by the DND, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), and the United States Embassy in Manila.
The awards were handed out by Ambassador Carlson, Undersecretary De Leon; PVAO Administrator Reynaldo B. Mapagu; Office of the Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans and Reserve Affairs Ignacio B. Madriaga; US Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) Acting Director Nathan Paul Loftis II; and Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG)-Philippines Chief Col. Edward Evans.