Remembering the ‘Greatest Generation’ war heroes of 70 years ago
MANILA, Philippines - Out of the darkness and chaos of war often also come the most inspiring and shining moments of human courage, self-sacrifice, nobility of spirit and integrity; that’s why many of the great poems, movies and even poetry are inspired by warriors of the past and their battles.
Do you have elders or kin in your family who have valiantly fought in World War II, whether still alive or gone? What about those who have lost their lives in that war as innocent civilians? Let us chronicle their personal stories and struggles, so that we can keep them forever alive in our collective memories and in our recorded history. Let us never ever forget them.
This year from Western Europe, the United States, Russia, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia to China, the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II has been marked with numerous events to rekindle memories of the heroism of those men and women, whom journalist Tom Brokaw described as the “greatest generation’ who fought for our freedom.
Some of the biggest and most significant battles of World War II were waged and won across the Philippines, so how come there seems to be very few official or government events to help us remember and honor the heroes and martyrs?
Honoring Filipino, US & Chinese veterans
On Aug. 16 at 3:30 p.m., the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society, with support from the USA’s “Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive” coalition and the US government’s American Battle Monuments Commission, kicked off America’s global 70th anniversary tribute with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Manila American Cemetery in Taguig City with several guests of honor including retired Philippine Army Major Jaime L. Guerrero, who was a Philippine Scout soldier with the 88th Field Artillery in Bataan during World War II. A special guest and speaker at the ceremony was former Senator Jun Magsaysay.
In this event, reenactors dressed in uniforms of the US Army Philippine Souts and Philippine Army of World War II acted as an honor guard and wreath escort for wreaths donated by the Battlin’ Bastards of Bataan, the American Chamber of Commerce, the American Battle Monuments Commission and the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society.
On Aug. 21 at 3 p.m., an idealistic Facebook group called “Binondo Heritage Group” with members from Quezon City, San Juan, Makati to Manila came together at the Manila Chinese Cemetery in Manila to honor the numerous unheralded World War II martyrs and heroes of the local Chinese minority. There were many Filipino Chinese guerrillas (some were Philippine citizens but many were not yet citizens) who fought alongside Filipino guerrillas to resist the Japanese military invasion of the Philippines and other parts of Asia.
Veterans who came were Wa Chi Chinese guerrillas — 92-year-old Dee Hong Ki, 95-year-old Su Tiu (Lee Dian Phiak) and 85-year-old Alberto Lu who recounted their vivid experiences with very clear memories. I was asked to act as interpreter from Hokkien to English. I had suggested this event with BHG fellow co-founders Mike Lu, Angela Yu, Nathan Co and Ivan Mandy Dy, who all equally helped.
Descendants of Wa Chi and other ethnic Chinese guerrilla groups also joined. In attendance were civic leaders like Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. Executive Vice-President Henry Lim Bon Liong, Anvil Business Club (Association of Young Filipino Chinese Entrepreneurs) Chairman Emeritus George T. Siy and others.
* * *
The American grassroots coalition called “Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive” organized hundreds of 70th anniversary commemorative events and activities that were attended by thousands of people, young and old, across America said, “This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII and perhaps the last opportunity for families and communities in every city and town... to come together to say ‘Thank you!’ to the men and women of our ‘greatest generation.’
“It’s an opportunity to remember and reflect on the achievements and values of the World War II generation so that their example of courage, shared sacrifice, ‘can do’ attitude, service to others, and national unity will continue to inspire future generations — especially the youth of our country...”
* * *
Thanks for your feedback! E-mail willsoonflourish@gmail.com or follow WilsonLeeFlores on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and http://willsoonflourish.blogspot.com/
