Media Release

Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV)

June 10, 2010

Los Angeles, CA

JFAV /AWARE Marks the 65th year victory at the Battle of Bessang Pass in Los Angeles

Los Angeles—Honor our Veterans,Celebrate their victories!

The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE) will mark the 65th year commemoration of the victory at the Battle of Bessang Pass, June 14, 1945 with a commemorative program

Arturo P. Garcia , JFAV national coordinator and Mrs. Lulu Astilla, AWARE president announced that the commemorative event will be held on Monday , June 14, 2010 at the Church of the Nazarene Hall at 3401 W.3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90020 at around 9:00 AM.

The confirmed guests of honor are Philippine Consul General Los Angeles, Mary Jo B. Aragon, Mel Ilomin, field representative of Senator Gil Cedillo of the 22nd District of California and Romy Borje, son of the Hero of Battle of Bessang Pass, Major Borje.

Significance of the Victory at Bessang Pass, 1945

The Battle of Bessang Pass in June 14, 1945 is the only military victory of the Filipinos Arms against the Japanese imperial forces in World War II. The division size all Filipino forces was led by Col. Russel Volckmann of the USFIP-NL.

This victory avenged the defeat at Bataan when it surrendered on April 9, 1942 when the Filipino and American forces where forced on a Death March to Capas, Tarlac. More than 30,000 Filipino and American died during this 65 kilometers force march.

The victory at the Battle of Bessang forced Japanese General Tomuyaki Yamashita, the “Tiger of Malaya” to surrender to the USFIP-NL later in Kiangan, Ifugao on September 6, 1945. Bessang Pass is the last line of defense of the Japanese Imperial Army in Northern Luzon during World War II.

More than 2,000 Filipino soldiers died in a the four month battle. The USFIP-NP is an all Filipino army division except for the five American high ranking division officers during the war.

It was a military holiday in the Philippines by President Elpidio Quirino in 1952. But even the AFP do not celebrate it today. Only the surviving veterans and their advocates here in the U.S. commemorates the event since its 60th anniversary in 2005 in Los Angeles.

The ceremonies will start at O9:30 AM.

We call on all veterans of this campaign to please attend and wear your veterans uniform or veterans cap. The JFAV will also discuss our current case against the DVA for denied claims.

For parking please enter at Juanita Street where the parking lot is located ).

For more information please call Al Garcia at (213)241-0995 or email at jfav_us@yahoo.com