Pres. Marcos invited to grace the historical event
PALO, Leyte- The provincial government of Leyte had started its preparation for the 78th Leyte Gulf Landings commemoration next month, October 20.
Frances Ann Petilla, a consultant of the provincial government consultant on tourism and wife of Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, presided the executive meeting held last September 15.
In the said meeting, the committee agreed to hold full face-to-face activity for this year’s Leyte Gulf Landings celebration.
For the past two years of the commemorative program, the organizers adopted a hybrid system wherein there were parts of the celebration that were conducted in-person while other activities related to the event were done virtually.
The commemoration will be simple to be attended by dignitaries from Australia, Japan, United States of America, and United Kingdom.
The 78th Leyte Gulf Landings is also expected to be graced by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos who was invited by the executive committee as guest speaker for the annual event held at McArthur Park National Shrine, this town.
Unlike in previous years where national anthems of US, Australia, Japan, and UK are played when hoisting their respective flags, this year only the country’s national anthem, the ‘Lupang Hinirang’ will be played while drum roll will be use when hoisting the flags of the participating country.
Living World War II veterans in the region are not expected to be present at the commemoration because most of them are already bedridden, according to the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO).
PVAO also reported that there are only 33 living World War I veterans in Eastern Visayas 17 of them are from Leyte.
The PVAO and representative from the US Embassy will be conferring to the living World War II veterans on October 20 after the commemoration program the US Congressional Gold Medal award.
“This is the first time that we will be giving this award to our veterans. This is conferred to our veterans to honor their sacrifices and services to the country during World War 2,” Nenita Brazil of PVAO said. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
