Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer yesterday led the 74th Negros Island Victory Day observance at the Provincial Capitol Park and Lagoon, which was attended by members of the Negros Occidental chapter of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, along with their families, various provincial officials, among others.
“Our fallen fellow Negrenses and our veterans were just like us, people who never wish for war; people who would choose peace and freedom, had they been given the choice,” the governor said. “However, war broke out and they chose to fight so that the freedom and peace they also yearn [for] will be enjoyed by the generations that follow.”
“To the present day Negrense, it is our obligation to give back in gratitude not in words but through our actions by being conscientious, active, and responsible members of our community and society,” he added.
The activity opened with a wreath-laying at the WWII veterans monument, a 21-gun salute by the Philippine Army 303rd Brigade, flag-raising ceremony, and parade and review led by the Negros Occidental High School Citizen Army Training Ceremonial Troop.
Ferrer also expressed his appreciation for veterans and their descendants, saying “their sense of patriotism is more than enough to provide safety not only to their own homes but the whole province as well.”/WDJ