Media Release
Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV)
Contact: Joy A. Bautista
April 9, 2010
JFAV COMMEMORATES 68Th BATAAN DAY IN THE UNITED STATES.
Los Angeles—“ Bataan has fallen, but the spirit that made it stand cannot fall”
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) in the United States will hold several 68th Year Commemorative events for the 68th Fall Of Bataan or Bataan Day in the Philippines. JFAV and AWARE will remember the 68th Fall of Bataan in Los Angeles, Panorama City and San Francisco, all in California.
On April 9, 1942, the USAFFE surrendered to the Japanese Imperial Army, the largest US army garrison in the Pacific numbering 90,000 men. More than 30,000 US Army soldiers and 60, 000 Filipino soldiers of the Philippine Commonwealth surrendered after holding out for more than four months.
The crucial four months gave the allied forces to prepare a counter-offensive against the Japanese later in the Pacific Theater of War. After Bataan, more than 30,000 American and Filipino soidiers died during the infamous"Death March" from Bataan to Tarlac concentration camps.
From then on the Fall of Bataan is commemorated to honor the valiant stand of the Filipino and nited States army against the Japanese invaders. In th Philipppines, where they are ahead by one day, the celebrations was muted and without fanfare.
Bataan Day Events in the US
- The Bataan Day commemoration will be held on Saturday in Los Angeles at FACLA on April 10. In San Francisco, the JFAV/AWARE Chapter will also hold their event also on Saturday, April 10.
- On Sunday, April 11, 2010 from 11;30 am to 1:00 pm at Island Pacific Supermarket at 8340 Van Nuys Blvd. in Panorama City, CA. The people of the San Fernando Valley and its environs are invited for this free event. The Island Pacific Supermarket supports the Filipino World War II veterans and their widows and dependents struggle for rights and benefits.
Some of the major supporters are Errol Santos, business development consultant for health care, People’s CORE, BANTAY PILIPINAS, AWARE and the KmB (Pro People Youth)
Concurrently, this year's Bataan Day commemoration will also herald the launch of the grassroots campaign to support the lawsuit that JFAV and MHC Atty Arnedo Valera, Esq. will soon bring against the US Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) for the delayed claims of the veterans and benefits for the widows.
For more information please call JFAV at (213)241-0995 or (213)321-1787 or email at
jfav_us@yahoo.com