KIANGAN, Ifugao -- Preparations are underway for the 72nd Victory Day anniversary in Kiangan town, Ifugao province on September 2, to commemorate the event that ended World War II in Southeast Asia.
History tells that Japanese Imperial Army General Tomoyuki Yamashita, also known as the “Tiger of Malaya”, surrendered to the United States and Philippine military forces on September 2, 1945 in their camp located at the old Kiangan Central School (KCS).
The surrender of Yamashita eventually ended World War II in Southeast Asia.
This year’s celebration will start in the afternoon of September 1 with the arrival, registration and billeting of the members of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Veterans Federation of the Philippines and the Sons and Daughters Association, Incorporated .
A holy mass is set at 5 p.m. at the KCS grounds and at 6 p.m. are the candle lighting and floral offerings below the markers containing the names of war veterans of the province.
Dinner is set at 7 p.m. at the Kiangan Youth Hostel to be followed by the Entertainment Night with music courtesy of the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.
On September 2, a parade will start at 8 a.m. from the municipal gym to the World War II Memorial Shrine, where wreath-laying ceremonies will be held. (PIA)