Fil-Am Cadets Pay Tribute to Bataan Death March Survivors
Rommel Conclara, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau
SAN FRANCISCO – The remaining Filipino veterans of World War II were honored by a brand new generation of Americans in San Francisco during the 74th anniversary of the Bataan Death March.
The average age of Junior ROTC cadets is 17-years-old, meaning they were born in the year 1999. Despite the 57-year gap between them and the start of the Bataan Death March in World War II, the young cadets say it was necessary to honor the remaining veterans and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
“Seeing those veterans, especially how they are now, it makes everything seem so real because you could read something in a book and it seems kind of distance but when you actually see real people and meet them and talk to them you actually realize how that actually happened in the past and how it affects people today,” said Cadet 1st. Lt. Jana Quan of the US Army JROTC, Lowell High School.
Cadet James Kevin Chan of the US Navy JROTC from Burton High School added, “I just feel really grateful for what they have done for us. Seeing them live – I can actually appreciate them face to face, person to person.”
The veterans appreciated that young people took the time to be with them.
“Natutuwa kami dahil yung participation ng mga kabataan sa aming mga beterano ay napakalaking bagay para namin mapalaam sa kanila ang aming mga karanasan, ang aming mga paglilingkod sa ating bayan,” said World War II veteran, Aquilino Suarez Delen.
Fil-Am community leaders say the participation of the younger generations of Americans is especially important to uphold the 74th anniversary of the Bataan Death March and the legacy of the veterans.
“It’s very important that these kids are able to get some information of what our veterans did so they can go ahead and keep the legacy alive otherwise it’s going to stop,” said World War II Commander, Bataan Post 600, Rudy Asercion,
As other veteran organizations in San Francisco honor the Bataan anniversary, they continue to work for veteran equity.
“It is their struggle to fight for recognition. It is their struggle to fight for benefits. It is their struggle and fighting for the recognition through the Congressional gold medal,” said Luisa Antonio of the Veterans Equity Center.
The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, Bataan Legacy Historical Society and the Memorare Manila 1945 will also house a World War II in the Philippines commemoration and exhibit from April 11th to the 29th.