US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission John Law lauded the publication of the book Twilight Glory: A Tribute to Filipino Heroes and Veterans which was recently launched on National Heroes’ Day.
In a video message, Deputy Chief of Mission Law said the book serves as a testament to the heroism and legacy of the Filipino veterans.
Twilight Glory is the story of the Filipino nation, chronicling the most significant events in the country’s history from the Spanish colonization to the present times.
More importantly, as the title carries, it is intended for the Filipino heroes and veterans who continue to fight for benefits and recognition not only in the Philippines but also in the United States, highlighting the decades-old Philippine-American relations. The number of Filipino veterans is dwindling and it is high time that a book was dedicated to them to call attention to their plight.
Law congratulated book authors PVAO Administrator Ernesto Carolina, Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil and Author-Publisher Melandrew T. Velasco for the inspiring and fascinating coffee table book.
“Our countries’ friendship is reinforced and refreshed when our soldiers became brothers in World War II fighting side by side against the common enemy,” he said as he acknowledged Filipino veterans’ profound love of country.
“All Americans are grateful for your service which provided crucial element in the enduring friendship and alliance between the United States and the Philippines.”
Meanwhile, retired Maj Gen Antonio Taguba, Chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project, commended the book as a significant work to chronicle the selfless service, valor, patriotism and loyalty of thousands of soldiers, guerrillas and veterans in serving their nation.
In his message, Taguba lamented that the Rescission Act of 1946 deprived the veterans of their honor, their promised benefits, and devalued their lives, dignity and acts of heroism.
FilVetRep is at the forefront in the struggle for veterans’ benefits and recognition in the United States and supported the clamor for the granting of the Congressional Gold Medal to veterans.
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award bestowed by the US Congress to an individual or group that contributed to American culture and history.
On 30 November 2016, the US Congress passed the legislation, which was ultimately signed on 14 December 2016 by President Barack Obama, granting the Congressional Gold Medal award to Filipino and American Veterans of World War II.
“The Filipino Veterans of WWII Congressional Gold Medal was a seminal point in American and Philippine heritage,” Taguba said.
“These lives are forever enshrined in the legacy of their respective countries. But the recognition and reverence for our heroes is eternal.”
Taguba also expressed his gratitude to former President Fidel V. Ramos and Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana “for their deep and personal dedication on the importance of honoring our heroes and veterans.”