THE Provincial Government of Negros Occidental led the celebration of the 73rd Negros Island Victory Day Sunday, September 9, in Bacolod City, with the theme “Dear World War II Heroes, Thank You for Liberating Negros.”

The activity started with a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of WWI Veterans at the Provincial Capitol Park and Lagoon led by Board Member Valentino Miguel Alonso, Provincial Police director Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil Jr., Lieutenant Colonel Emelito Thaddeus Logan of the 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, Roque Hofileña of the Negros Occidental Historical Council, and Veterans Federation of the Philippines–Negros Occidental officers and veterans, among others.

A commemorative program followed at the Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Activity Center in Bacolod City, as part of the celebration.

Alonso, who represented Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., said that it is a must to thank and “honor our forefathers who fought for our island’s freedom.”

“Patriotism is expressed in many different ways, and it does not necessarily mean going through a battle and losing one’s life to express the love for country; taking part in nation-building is already an expression of love for country,” he said.

Hofileña said that the real meaning and value of celebrating the liberation day is honoring our fellow Negrenses who expressed heroism and courage to free our beloved Negros Island many years ago.

After the program, the veterans also received gift packs and availed of free health services such as blood sugar testing and blood pressure monitoring.

The yearly event is a tribute to the heroism of Negrense veterans who fought for the island’s liberation against the Japanese imperial army in World War II. (PR)