80th Leyte Landings
PALO, Leyte – As the nation commemorated the 80th anniversary of the historic Leyte Landings, the remaining World War II veterans in Eastern Visayas have one enduring wish: that their sacrifices and the lessons of the past are not forgotten by future generations.
Gathering at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park on Sunday, October 20, local veterans, now few in number, were honored with messages of gratitude from schoolchildren in both the Philippines and the United States. The gesture was a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of those who fought for freedom eight decades ago.
“I have only one wish now—for our young people and future generations to never forget what we did to help liberate our country from the Japanese invaders,” expressed 99-year-old Cornelio Dacuno, one of only 14 surviving veterans from Eastern Visayas.
Dacuno, who was just 16 when he joined the guerrilla movement in Eastern Samar, voiced sadness that many today seem unaware of the significance of the war and its sacrifices.
“We risked everything, offering our lives for the country,” he added in the vernacular, as he clutched one of the 200 letters penned by students from Bethel International School in Palo and several schools in the United States.
The letters, filled with messages of appreciation, were collected by Chaplain Don Biadog Jr. of Operation Help One Another, a private group dedicated to supporting war veterans.
One touching note came from Lou Midgett, a student of Georgetown Elementary School in Louisiana: “You have given so much of yourself, and we appreciate you more than words can express. We thank you for defending your country and offer our deepest gratitude.”
In addition to heartfelt messages, Biadog’s group provided cash and food assistance to the veterans.
“What we’ve given is nothing compared to the magnitude of what they’ve done for the country,” Biadog humbly remarked.
The commemoration featured a 20-minute reenactment of the iconic landing of American forces led by Gen. Douglas MacArthur.
The performance marked the first reenactment since the 50th anniversary in 1994, drawing attention to a key turning point in the Philippines’ liberation from Japanese occupation.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through a message read by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, called on the youth to honor the legacy of the veterans: “The freedom we enjoy today was not simply given—it was fought for, born out of the blood, sweat, and tears of our ancestors, countrymen, and veterans.”
Teodoro echoed this, pledging to safeguard the country’s freedom and territorial integrity. “We remain committed to protecting the nation, a freedom our veterans fought so valiantly for.”
Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla emphasized the importance of retelling the story of the Leyte Landings to ensure that future generations understand the valor and sacrifice of those who fought in World War II.
“It is through stories like these that we keep the flame of remembrance alive,” he stated.
Foreign dignitaries, including Australian Ambassador Hae Kyung Yu and U.S. Major General Matthew McFarlane, praised the region for its commitment to honoring the veterans.
“Thank you for your generosity and for the continued remembrance you give annually to the nation’s heroes and veterans… to liberate the Philippines,” said the Australian ambassador.
Japan’s Ambassador Endo Kayuza reflected on his country’s transformation, now standing alongside the Philippines and other democratic nations to uphold peace and sovereignty.
“Together with the United States and Australia, we have become trusted democratic partners united by a common goal,” he said.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez highlighted the importance of international unity, noting that “peaceful diplomatic efforts have replaced the destructive contests of arms and violence.”
Among the local officials present were Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla, Vice Gov. Leonardo ‘Sandy’ Javier and his wife, Rep. Lolita Javier (2nd district), Rep. Nicholas Cari (Leyte, 5th district), Rep. Christopherson Yap (2nd district of Southern Leyte) and Rep. Jude Acidre of Tingog party-list group.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
