Tomorrow, 20 October 2004, I am scheduled to depart for Palo, Leyte to participate in the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Leyte Landing.  This special event is intended not only to honor the thousands of Filipino, American and other allied soldiers who gallantly fought for Philippine freedom, but also to memorialize the ideals and deeds of Filipino soldiers, guerrillas and civilians during the Second World War.

President Arroyo will lead the celebration, which will commence with a flag-raising ceremony and singing of the Philippine National Anthem.  A wreath-laying ceremony to be led by the President will then follow.  I will have the honor of introducing the President as the Guest of Honor and Speaker for the event.  Solidarity Greetings will also be made by distinguished representatives from the Allied countries led by the Hon. Douglas Alexander, Minister of State of the United Kingdom, and U.S. Ambassador Francis Ricciardone.    There will also be a Veterans’ Torch Ceremony, a commemorative tableau or re-enactment of the dramatic events which led to the country’s liberation, and a military parade.  Several thousands of people, including about 1,000 veterans, along with their families, are expected to join in the celebration and add to the festive atmosphere.  The U.S. will dock a cruiser ship at Leyte Gulf, provide a Color Guard detail and U.S. Navy band, while Australia will have three ships offshore at the gulf during the event.  Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla will host a commemorative luncheon at the Leyte Academic Center, where I will be joined by dignitaries from the diplomatic corps and the provincial government and the veterans.

Joining me in tomorrow’s celebration will be Senator Richard Gordon, who is my co-chair in the Ad hoc Committee created under Administrative Order No. 102 to take charge of the preparations for the Leyte Landing celebration, and the members of the Committee, namely, Secretary of Tourism Joseph H. Durano, and National Historical Institute Executive Director Ludovico D. Badoy.  Apart from the celebration tomorrow, the Committee has also identified fourteen (14) other significant events that allowed our country to regain its freedom, including the Lingayen Gulf landing, the rescue of prisoners in Cabanatuan City, the liberation of Manila, the flag raising at Corregidor, and the surrender of General Yamashita.  These events will also be appropriately commemorated.

Despite the austere tone of the celebration, it will be a very meaningful one.  As the number of our veterans dwindles every year, the celebration acquires additional significance in view of our moral obligation to ensure that the sacrifices of our veterans remain appreciated, and that the Filipino people, particularly the youth, understand the significance of the freedom which we now enjoy. END.