http://www.philippine-scouts.org/index.html

USAFFE defenders of Bataan and Corregidor

Ft. MacArthur, San Pedro, CA.

Buhay Ng Kasaysayan (BNK) re-enacting the USAFFE defenders of Bataan and Corregidor last May 6, 2007.

Photo by Franz Tinio-Lopez

Filipino Veterans Foundation

cordially invites you  to attend

The  67^th Anniversary of Bataan

A Remembrance of a Day of Valor

Across the Pacific

Dedicated to the fallen and unsung

Heroes of Bataan and Corregidor

April 9, 2009

11 AM

at the Lake Street Park Monument

227 Lake Street

Los Angeles, CA 90026

Program

9 AM:              A Memorial Mass

10:30               Registration

                        Fellowship

11:00               Opening Ceremonies

                        Reception follows immediately after the Program

Donation:          $10 per lunch ticket

RSVP: Call Vangie: 310-835-8365

Filipino Veterans Foundation

2615 S. Grand Ave., Room 100

Los Angeles, CA 90007

(213) 746-9093                    FAX (213) 746-9050

February 20, 2009

Dear Friend,

You are cordially invited to join us on April 9, 2009, for a moment in remembrance of a Day of Valor, 67 years ago in Bataan, Philippines. The name Bataan brings to mind the last defense of the USAFFE Warriors, where boys became men, and men turned to martyrdom. With courage and commitment they gave their lives on the altar of freedom.,   for love of country.

On April 9^th we will give thanks for the measure of equity provided to Filipino WWII Veterans when President Barack Obama signed the Economic Stimulus Bill.  This legislation finally recognized the gallant service these Veterans provided to the United States.  

We salute those who were slain on Bataan or died through the decades prior to this compensatory Act.  They are the forgotten heroes whom we honor on April 9, 2009, on the 67^th anniversary on the Fall of Bataan. Our thoughts are also with the widows of these Veterans who still languish in our midst.

Please join us in silent prayer and the pledge that these heroes will never be forgotten.    We are forever indebted to their courageous sacrifice.

We look forward to your participation on April 9^th at 227 Lake Street Park in Los Angeles, 90026 at 11 AM.    Please call Vangie to confirm your reservation at 310-835-8365 or 310-344-4221.

Sincerely,

-

Jenny L. Batongmalaque, M.D. (signed)

Executive Director

Filipino Veterans Foundation

                        PROGRAM:  67^TH Anniversary of Bataan, A Day of Valor

            April 9, 2009

                                    227 Lake Street

                                    Los Angeles, CA 90026

9:00 AM          Memorial Mass celebrated by Fr. Tom Asia, Associate Pastor,

                        St. Philomena Church

10:30               Registration and Fellowship

11:00               Opening Ceremonies

                        67^th Anniversary of Bataan, A Day of Valor

                        Emcee:             (Ret.) Col. Ralph Ramirez

                        “Stars and Stripes Forever”      Color Guard Presentation

led by Cmmdr. Ernest Colwell, (Ret.) Col., US Army

National Anthems

The Pledge

Invocation        Col. Butch Moreto, Cyberspace Prayer Warriors

Welcome          Dr. Jenny L. Batongmalaque

                        Executive Director, Filipino Veterans Foundation

Introduction  of Guests

Opening Remarks         Deputy Vice Consul General, Daniel Espiritu, Philippine Consulate

Remarks           (Ret) Brig. Gen. Oscar Hilman, US Army

“Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory of the Lord”

Keynote Speaker         (Ret.) Col. Joseph Smith, U.S. Marines

Director, Los Angeles Co. Military and Veterans Affairs

Proclamation and Acknowledgement

A Salute to the Fallen and Unsung Heroes of Bataan and Corregidor

                                    (Ret.) Col. Romy Monteyro

Laying of the Wreath

Taps

Final Benediction          Fr. Tom Asia

Retire the Colors.

12:00 PM                     Reception immediately follows.

http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_12057277?source=most_emailed

Pittsburg observance honors hardships of Bataan Death March survivors By Paul Burgarino
East County Times

Posted: 04/02/2009 03:12:58 PM PDT

On Saturday, an annual remembrance will be held in Pittsburg to commemorate the fall of Bataan and Corregidor, and the infamous death march that claimed the lives of approximately 10,000 infantrymen."It's so sad. They want to forget all about their experience because it's so painful, but it's something that we want to revere and always remember," said Evangeline Santos, the Pittsburg event's chairwoman. Many of them have died, but their sacrifice to help pioneer a better life for future Filipino-Americans must be recognized, she said. The numbers continue to dwindle, but for the remaining Bataan veterans, the decades-old event is considered an honor and a yearly reminder of the ordeals they endured. For many, the most powerful moment is when a bell or gong is struck during a reading of the names of the deceased.  After the war, Abinsay, Gavino, De Castro, Leonardo Pena and Damaso Basco — the five remaining survivors who organizers say are attending Saturday's event — became acquainted after arriving in Pittsburg, home to Camp Stoneman. Many Filipino families in Pittsburg are linked because their relatives were part of the death march. There are 19 Bataan survivors in Contra Costa County, said Josie Otto, a Fil-American Association member who also lobbied for reparations for Filipino veterans. In a war with so many turning points, the struggles of those who were at Bataan and Corregidor are often seen as a footnote. Those veterans who are still alive, however, may receive a bit of long-due recognition. "It's long overdue," Santos said. "Without them, a lot of us may not be able to enjoy the lives we have now." IF YOU GO

  WHAT: Bataan Day observance

  WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday

  WHERE: Fil-American Hall, 345 Central Ave., Pittsburg

  HOW MUCH: Tickets are $25 per person. Veterans, survivors and widows of the Bataan Death March are free. A dinner and dance will be held after the ceremony.