BACOLOD City – Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and provincial officials of Negros Occidental led the celebration of 76th Negros Island Victory Day at the Provincial Capitol Park and Lagoon on Thursday.
The event was graced by the members of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines- Negros Occidental Chapter, non-government organizations, government agencies, and capitol employees.
The annual event commemorates the gallantry and patriotism of Negrenses who liberated Negros Island from the Japanese Imperial Army during World War 2.
“In this time of pandemic, in this war against a health scare, the Filipino people must take inspiration from the way you fought – united and always looking after one another,” said Lacson.
Themed “Kudos!!! WWII Negros Heroes”, the celebration started with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument of WWII Veterans; Volley of 21 Gun Salute by the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Masaligan Battalion; flag raising; and a commemorative program.
Lacson said the province owes the veterans a debt that cannot be repaid, and that what can be done is to honor them by emulating their patriotism and courage.
“To all my fellow Negrenses, I understand how our present situation can get difficult; and during those times when we are tempted to ease off on the kind of self-control and restraint required of us, let us remember the sacrifices our veterans made, and the measure of discipline they had to sustain, to move us to do the same and be victorious in this war we are presently fighting,” the governor added.
Currently, there are 16 living Negrense Veterans alive, records from the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office-Negros Occidental showed./PN
