War veterans tell youth: Preserve, share history

CEBU, Philippines - World War II veterans, who attended the 70th landing anniversary in Talisay City yesterday, urged the youths to preserve and share the history of the event to the next generation.

The annual event, dubbed as “Takas sa Talisay,” was highlighted by the reenactment of the landing of the American and Filipino soldiers on the shores of Talisay City during World War II, as portrayed by the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Central Command and students of Talisay City College.

World War II veteran Lieutenant Gauducio Estolas, 73, said people of today should protect the historical event and the youths should become soldiers so that the country will have protectors in the future.

For TCC students, Letlet Capa and Angelica Ducanes, participating in the reenactment of the historical landing was an opportunity to appreciate for themselves the heroic deeds of the country’s protectors.

The two vowed to help preserve the history, which should be celebrated and not forgotten for the sake of the coming generation.

The historic landing of the American Liberation Forces occurred on March 26, 1045 on the shores of Talisay City. History books told that 410 Americans were killed in that battle, 1,700 were wounded, and about 8,000 were classified as “non-battle casualties,” in the fight against Japanese forces.

The Talisay Landing celebration started with a Eucharistic Mass at the Talisay City National Historical Shrine and Liberation Monument. It was followed by a military parade and ceremonial raising of the Philippine, Japanese and American flags. —/RAE (FREEMAN)