Descendants of World War II veterans said they want more young individuals to be involved in activities of war veterans as a means to keep the legacy of their ancestors and to instill sense of patriotism among them.
Ermelinda Guinaran, president of the Sons and Daughters, Inc.-Benguet, said they want the youth to be more involved in war veterans’ affairs or activities commemorating their heroism.
“We want to involve the grandchildren. Our purpose is to uphold the legacy of our parents, to commemorate their bravery and sacrifices, and to inculcate patriotism among the children,” she said.
There are 500 members of the Sons and Daughters in Benguet, but Guinaran said they want more children of war veterans to join their group.
The group also requested the provincial government of Benguet to include activities commemorating the war veterans during the celebration of the Benguet Liberation Day in August.
“We are also following up the proposal of a board member to require the youth to come up with or participate in activities honoring the war veterans,” she said.
Helen Boquiren, secretary of the Sons and Daughters Association, Inc.-Benguet, said their efforts to preserve the legacy of their parents will continue even as the number of WW II veterans dwindles each year.
The group also serves as a support system to the surviving war veterans and their families.
Because they do not want the legacy of their parents gone, Boquiren said they keep the information of war veterans updated and coordinate with the local government units, in behalf of the families of surviving veterans, during the celebration of Liberation rites.
“We do not get any personal benefit from our efforts. We just want their legacy to continue being remembered,” she said.
There are 14 living WW II veterans in Benguet, who are among the 69 surviving veterans in the Cordillera.
Philippine Veterans Affairs Office-Baguio Head Grace de Villa-Labarinto said out of the 69 living WW II veterans, 23 are centenarians, the eldest being 103 years old.
She added the youngest surviving WW II veteran is 98 years old. – Jane B. Cadalig
