8ID troops join the 71st Anniversary of Leyte Gulf Landing

By DPAO, 8ID PA
October 22, 2015

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army participated in the commemoration of the Leyte Gulf Landings 71st Anniversary at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, Candahug, Palo, Leyte on October 20, 2015.

Lt. Gen. Ernesto G. Carolina, AFP (Ret), Administrator of Philippine Veterans Office, was the guest of honor and speaker of the simple and solemn commemorative ceremonies with the theme: “Liberation: A Paradigm for a Renewed Leyte”, which reminisce the largest naval battle of World War II, that paved way to the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation 71 years ago.

The event was graced by Minister Tetsuro Omano, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan; Mr. Lain Mansfield, Trade and Investment Director, Embassy of United Kingdom; Lt. Col Michael P. Wylie, Chief Joint Operations, US Marine Corp, Embassy of the United States of America; and Bill Tweddell, Ambassador, Embassy of Australia.

Also in attendance was Major General Jet B. Velarmino, Commander 8ID; Cmdr. Avelino L. Mosot, regional vice president Veterans Federation of the Philippines Leyte Chapter; Brig. Gen. Joel Joseph A. Cabides (Ret), Regional Vice President, Veterans Federation of the Philippines; BGen William B. Esplana (Ret), President of Operations Veterans Federation of the Philippines; and Hon. Dominico Petilla, Governor of Leyte.

Highlight during the commemorative program was the solidarity messages of the diplomatic representatives and the hoisting of their respective flags.

The 8ID troops spearheaded the Wreath Laying Ceremony in honor of our heroes who fought gallantly for the present generation to cherish the true essence of liberty.

Gov. Petilla in his message said, “On this 71st year of commemorating the Leyte Gulf Landing we honor our veterans as we banner this year’s theme: “Liberation: A Paradigm for a Renewed Leyte.” I want us not only to remember their gallantry in the battlefield, but we must also look at the lasting legacy of strength and service they brought with them; the commemoration of the Leyte Gulf Landings reminds us of the responsibility we have for our veterans who serve our nation.”