Solon wants memorial for Sorsogon war vets

By BOBBY Q. LABALAN

SORSOGON CITY -- Putting up a war veteran’s memorial is a fitting tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of freedom from colonial domination.

This was according to Rep. Evelina Escudero (First District, Sorsogon) as she proposed for the construction of a memorial to honor the veterans who put their lives on the line in thwarting the attempts of foreign power to perpetuate their reign in the country.

The proposal was reiterated Thursday by the lady lawmaker who first brought it up during the commemoration of the 35th death anniversary of the late Gov. Salvador Casals Escudero, Sr. last December 27 at Camp Salvador Escudero, headquarters of the Sorsogon Provincial Police Office.

The elder Escudero was the governor of Sorsogon when war broke out in the Pacific and Japanese forces invaded the Philippines, including Sorsogon.

He led the guerrilla forces here in fighting Japanese forces in the province as he went underground together with other officials of the civil government.

The former governor was the grandfather of the late Rep. Sonny Escudero and great-grandfather of Sen. Francis Escudero.

Congresswoman Escudero said putting up a war memorial is the simplest way of paying gratitude to the veterans who made sacrifices so that the generations after them would enjoy freedom and democracy.

She lamented the fact that the memories of the veterans have been “relegated to the dustbin of history” as the present generation is no longer aware of the rich and colorful stories that led to the liberation of the province.

Escudero urged the provincial government to find a suitable location inside the provincial capitol compound for the war memorial as she pledged to help source out funds for the memorial. She also suggested that a committee be created to work on the details of the project. Her proposal was met with enthusiastic applause by the audience, mostly men and women in uniform.

Also present during the event were Sorsogon City Mayor Sally Lee, representing the governor; Chief Supt. Victor Deona, regional director of the Philippine National Police; Col. Joselito Kakilala, commanding officer of the Army’s 903rd Infantry Brigade; Senior Supt. Raul Hebrio, SPPO director; acting Vice-Gov. Krunimar Escudero, Board Member Dennis Escudero, Casiguran Vice Mayor Ramon Escudero and some family members of war veterans.

Mayor Lee said she will discuss the proposal with her husband as she lauded the project, acknowledging its significance. -- PNA