TRIBUTE
April 8, 2010
68th Anniversary of Bataan, A Day of Valor
Read by Dr. Jenny L. Batongmalaque

COL. TIRSO BALDEMOR

In 1996, a year after my father passed away, the late Col. Tirso Baldemor approached me and asked if I could join the newly formed Sons and Daughters of Filipino WWII Veterans. Col. Baldemor was active in running the two organizations close to his heart, the other being the Retired Armed Forces of the Philippines organization or RAFPO for short. It was mainly through his efforts which stirred the souls of officers and men who served in WWII to join the organizations where he gathered them and pushed for their recognition of services. And as they passed on, one by one, it was Col. Baldemor who orchestrated the memorial tributes, and paid homage.

I remember my first visit in Bataan, in April 9, 1997. We the sons and daughters, led by Paul Blanco and Col. Baldemor, kissed the sacred grounds of Bataan, at the foot of Mount Samat where an awesome Cross looms above our heads. It was also the first visit of Congressman Bob Filner, who came upon our invitation, and was the special guest of honor of then President Fidel V. Ramos. It was one memorable day I shall never forget. I was touched by the thousands of WWII Veterans surrounding us, surging upon us, and shaking our hands, telling us with their anxious looks, “do not forget Bataan, do not ever forget Bataan and what we did here.” I know for a fact that there were at least a few people who returned to America, who never forgot and had changed the rest of their lives. It had become a passion not to let go of that promise.




COMMODORE RAMON ALCARAZ

Commodore Ramon Alcaraz was a true officer and a gentleman. It was my late father who introduced us in the early eighties. But our paths did not meet until 2001, when we received a reply from the former President of the Philippines, Fidel V. Ramos accepting our invitation to attend the 60th Anniversary of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines, held in Carson, California. I approached Commodore Alcaraz and sought his help to facilitate the visit of the former President. Since then he had become my godfather in word and in deed.

The Commodore knew my father since the Philippine Military Academy days. My Dad was his Senior. They fought in Bataan, and walked the Death March and became prisoners of war in Camp O’Donnell. When I showed him my father’s war diaries and the book I drafted for publication, he was thrilled.

In 2004, when we celebrated Bataan Day at the Patriotic Hall, he was one of our guest speakers, but did not show up. We learned that he met a horrific accident by a hit and run driver and almost lost his life. When I visited him the following day, he was all bandaged up and still dazed, but recognized me. The first thing he said was, “By golly, Jenny, I am an old man. I am ready to go. But I was told to return to tell you: publish that book of your Daddy. He was an unsung hero.” With that mandate straight from heaven, coming from the lips of the Commodore, I followed his command. And the rest is history.

Commodore Alcaraz and Col. Tirso Baldemor: You have been our guide and inspiration in continuing what we do here like today, a small act of remembrance to the heroes of Bataan, giving it our love and prayers, and the best of what we have. Continue to be our guiding light for someday we shall all meet again in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, and we offer this tribute to both of you, Commodore Alcaraz and Col. Baldemor, on the 68th Anniversary of Bataan Day, a Day of Valor.


Jenny L. Batongmalaque MD
Executive Director
Filipino Veterans Foundation



























CONCLUDING PRAYER
Read by Cmmdr. Ramon Lladoc, Veterans Center Association
Los Angeles

Please bow your heads:

Lord, you have given us this blessed day to celebrate the 68th anniversary of Bataan Day at Lake Street Park, where a monument is emplaced to remind the young generations and our loving friends of the unsung heroes of WWII in the Philippines.

As we continue our journey with your blessings, please do not forget our comrades who are homebound or in assisted living facilities, to give them strength and courage and hope.

We also thank those who fought for our recognition of services in the halls of Congress and the President of the United States, for including us in the Stimulus package, although many of us are still waiting for the bonus.

Thank you Lord, for those present here today who have given this day the highest honor and tribute to the heroes of WWII, with our love and prayers.

We now conclude this program.