PALO, Leyte, (PNA) — Leyte province will celebrate the 71st Leyte Gulf Landing Anniversary on Tuesday with the theme “Liberation: a Paradigm for a Renewed Leyte.”
Thousands of government officials, veterans, students, and residents will join the commemorative program that will be held at the Macarthur Landing Memorial National Park in Candahug village.
The event reminisces the largest naval battle in modern history, killing more than 15,000 soldiers.
The event will start with the traditional march of the veterans, spearheaded by the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) and Sons and Daughter’s Association to honor soldiers who have fought against the invading Japanese forces.
Ambassadors and representatives from different countries engaged in the battle are expected to deliver solidarity greetings.
They are Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Administrator Lt. Gen. Ernesto G. Carolina, ; Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddell; Minister Tetsuro Amano, Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul – General Embassy of Japan in the Philippines; and Mr Ian Mansfield, trade investment director, Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the Philippines.
The anniversary message will be delivered by Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla, followed by a Keynote Address which will be delivered by Carolina, representing President Benigno S. Aquino lll.
The yearly celebration commemorates the historic landing of General Douglas Macarthur in Leyte Gulf to recapture the Philippines from the Japanese.
The event led to the largest naval battle of World Ward ll between the American – Filipino forces against the Japanese forces. Japan’s defeat led to the liberation of the country.
Since Oct. 1, the local government has lined up several activities to commemorate the Leyte Gulf Landings. (PNA)
FPV/SQM/EDWARD CANAYA & KEYRVE HOMERES
