LAST October 27, 2018 the United States Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 124 officers and members trooped to the Philippine Military Academy for the Congressional Gold Medal Awarding ceremonies to honor the Filipino Veterans of World War II.
Their organization the VFW Post 124 was instrumental in inviting the US Ambassador, contacting the veterans and for them to bring two relatives, arranging for teh meal and the transportation of the awardees. Unfortunately, they were not acknowledged during the program and it became part of the PMA foundation day celebration. But all is well since what is due recognition to the veterans was finally given, though at least five post humous and some of the awardees already in wheelchairs. The medals were well deserved.
Ms. Adelaida Lim’s response “It is important to continue to retell the stories of our courageous veterans of the Second World war to the generations to come and to the generations yet unborn. Future generations must know the cost of freedom and realize that freedom is theirs because of the sacrifices of their forebears. Their deeds are worthy to be emulated. May we continue to draw inspiration from the bravery exemplified by our veterans.”
In this issue of my corner, I share the response from Ms. Adelaida Lim, the granddaugther of one of the awardees “It has been seven decades since World War II ended but the stories of my late grandfather, Vicente Podico Lim continue to inspire and guide me. Indeed, his West Point motto of Duty, Honor, Country was so instilled in my cousins and myself as we grew up that we could not help but absorb a similar ethic. Throughout my own 70 years of existence since the end of the war, our family has promoted freedom and peace.
From the frontline in Bataan on February 20, 1942, General Lim wrote to his wife, Pilar Hidalgo Lim, “I sincerely give all the credit to my officers and enlisted men. They are the ones who did it all. Mine is only to inspire and to lead them. When history is written I will give them all the credit. Their satisfaction is mine to share.” At the time of this writing, General Lim was in a pig sty that was his headquarters while defending Bataan from the invasion of Japanese forces. This was his last letter to the family then in the United States to attend the graduation of second son, Roberto from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
After February 20, 1942, Vicente Lim underwent the death march and was held prisoner at Capas. Upon release he lived on Calle Dominga and carried on underground work. In May of 1944, he had himself confined at the Cancer Institute in the Philippine General Hospital to avoid having to serve under the Japanese regime. He left Manila for Batangas on June 2, 1944 on an attempt to escape. The plan was to link up in Negros with a submarine that would take him to Australia. In the waters between Maricaban and Verde Islands, the batel carrying Lim was intercepted by a Japanese patrol boat.
“Lim, along with his companions, was taken prisoner and held at Fort Santiago.” (To Inspire and to Lead: The letters of Gen. Vicente Lim, 1938 ñ 1942) I have heard that during his trial for treason, my grandfather was offered freedom if he would join the Japanese forces. He was given time to consider, to choose life or death. He replied, “I do not need time to think. Execute me now.”
It should forever be remembered that 260,000 gallant men -- my grandfather among them -- offered their lives to regain Philippine sovereignty. They fought hand in hand with the United States Armed Forces so that we may be free. They made the supreme patriotic sacrifice of dying out of duty, for honor and love of country.
Today, the United States Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to the Filipino World War II veterans. This medal represents the selflessness and dedication of Filipino veterans to give the future generations a nation free from threats of tyranny. This medal finally recognizes the gallantry and heroism of the 260,000 men who sacrificed so that today we have a sovereign country. This medal bestows pride and honor to those noble men and their progeny.
On behalf of my late grandfather and his descendants up to the 5th generation, I would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the United States Congress and other individuals and institutions who made this recognition possible. This award would have thrilled the West Pointer in General Vicente Lim. It would have made him proud but I can assure you that earning such a distinction was farthest from his mind when he fought in the war.