WWII Filvets get community gold medals in Los Angeles

Veteran Franco Arcebal received his gold medal from Ludy Gilkison  and US Marine Sgt. Mark Villamac-Ho. IRWIN JAZMINES

LOS ANGELES — Filipino American World War II veterans and their survivors received gold medals from local organizations in recognition of their wartime services last December 7 and in commemoration of the 76th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

The Justice For Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) in collaboration with Philippine Institute For Arts, Language and Culture (PILAC) awarded the veterans the JFAV Gold Medals on the day 76 years ago that World War II started for the United States and the Philippines. Japanese planes made a surprise attack on the American bases in Hawaii and the Philippines that day.

Several WWII veterans or their survivors at the JFAV Gold Medal awarding ceremony at HIMIG PASKO in Los Angeles. IRWIN JAZMINES

JFAV awardees

The veterans and their survivors were awarded the JFAV medals as the first batch of awardees at HIMIG PASKO program at the Filipino Cultural Center (FCC).

They were Franco Arcebal, Cedric Lea Bisnar, Modesta Surnaba, Nimfa Furing, Eduardo Castaneda, Rey Ganon, Leopoldo Bas, Bernardo Buenavista, Timoteo Ormita, Dr. Arturo Flores, Stephanie Sajor, Beverly Sipin and Rosemarie Bandayrel.

Eduardo Castaneda Jr. receiving gold medal for departed veteran Eduardo Castaneda Sr. IRWIN JAZMINES

On hand to give the medals were Marine Sgt. Mark Villamac-Ho, Ludy Gilkison and Miss Young Philippines Alexandra Dalumpines. First to receive his medal was World War II Veteran Franco Arcebal.

The departed veterans were represented by their widows, relatives, sons and daughters at the ceremonies.

HIMIG PASKO

The 2nd HIMIG PASKO was attended by a large crowd of Filipino Americans who patronize PILAC”s Christmas carols and Christmas Cheers.

Rey Ganon receives the JFAV Gold Medal for his veteran father from Negros. IRWIN JAZMINES

The choirs of Sacred Heart Parish, St. Ignatius Parish, Golden Agers of Los Angeles (GALA), Silver Lake CBAS and the Burlington School teachers rendered Christmas carols.

They were all awarded trophies and prizes by PILAC. Dancing and dining followed. They were regaled by a live band composed of Rey Javier, Abner Galino and Rey Gamo, supported by Mon Concepcion.

More awarding ceremonies are slated for surviving veterans and their survivors in Southern California according to JFAV.