BAGUIO CITY – The United States (US) Embassy Department of Veterans Affairs and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) recently distributed to the some forty-four veterans and their relatives the prestigious US Congressional Gold Medal Award in recognition of their gallantry and bravery during World War II that contributed in liberating the country from the tyrannic Japanese rule.
The awarding ceremony was held as part of the celebration of National Victory Day to honor the veterans who played a vital role in regaining the country’s freedom and democracy which the Filipinos are now currently enjoying
The awardees were composed of 11 living veterans where some of them personally attended the ceremony while the others were represented by their family members and 33 posthumous awardees who were represented by their family members and relatives.
The US Congressional Gold Medal Award is an award bestowed by the US Congress which is its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals, institutions, or groups. It can be awarded to anyone Congress deems worthy.
The Filipino veterans received a bronze replica of the said award from the US Embassy representatives, PVAO and the Philippine Veterans Bank.
Among the recipients of the US Congressional Gold Medal Award are Pvt. Esther M. Fe, Pvt. Juan R. Cabe, Pvt. Estrella N. Nares, Sgt. Eumel D. Cacanindin, Pvt. Antonia H. Sanchez, Pvt. Prudencio O. Paguirigan, Sgt. Martin R. Lubrin, Pvt. Maximo L. Lictaoa, Pvt. Virgilio F. Costales, Pvt. Constancia E. Nones, Pvt. Regina N. Oreiro, Col. Mapagtapat N. Ongchangco, Brig. Gen. Vicente M. Yngente, Col. Mariano V. Aguilar, Col. Magtanggol N. Ongchangco, Maj. Alfredo G. Lam-en, Lt. Col. Henry T. Acmor, 1Lt. Angel D. Bacoling, Capt. Bernardo L. La Madrid, Maj. Alfredo F. Flores, Sgt. Teodoro V. Paglinawan, Staff Sgt. Canuto H. Mabalot, Staff Sgt. Edwin F. Sagmayao, Cpl. Flores B. Laoyan, T/4 Juan D. Catabay PS, Sgt. Laureano C. Colcol, Cpl. Alfredo C. Vergara, Cpl. Michael Mango, Cpl. Maximo C. Tacay, Pfc. Melecio D. Chiquillo, PFc. Eufemiano R. Gacutan, Pfc. Alfredo F. Morillo, Pvt. Gregorio U. Fran, Pvt. Rufino D. Abacco, Pvt. Iniong Pasigon, Pvt. Silvino B. Blaza, Pvt. Nelly M. Lopez, Pvt Comaad, Pvt. Barnabas E. Chason, Pvt. Washington M. Paran, Pvt. Alfredo D. Culbengan, Pvt. Nemesio Samidan and Brig. Gen. Zosimo Paredes.
US Embassy Department of Veteran Affairs Assistant Director Kevin J. McAllister, who will be ending his tour of duty in the country by the end of the month, expressed his gratitude to the veterans for their sacrifices that not only changed the world but also provided brighter opportunities for the youth in enjoying freedom and democracy
He claimed that the boy and girl scouts should be inspired and motivated by the veterans who played a key role in charting the country’s history in becoming future leaders that will make a difference in the future.
Since the conduct of the US Congressional Gold Medal awarding ceremony in September 2018, some 1053 Filipino veterans have already been given the said recognition aside from the 44 veterans who were recently conferred with the coveted award. By Dexter A. See
