Filipino American History Month Celebration this Sunday

Sixty-seven years have passed since the Leyte Gulf Landing in the Philippines on Oct. 20, 1944, led by General Douglas MacArthur.

The Leyte Gulf Landing is now known in many cities across the United States as "A-Day."

In Milpitas this Sunday, Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., , the United States' largest Filipino-centric mall, will serve as the venue for Filipinos and their friends to gather and honor Filipino American World War II veterans.

The significance of the date Oct. 20, 1944 was documented in many military history books.

About.com summarizes the Leyte Gulf landing by saying, "In late 1944, after extensive debate, Allied leaders elected to begin operations to liberate the Philippines. The initial landings were to take place on the island of Leyte, with ground forces commanded by General Douglas MacArthur. To assist this amphibious operation, the US 7th Fleet, under Vice Admiral Thomas Kimkaid, would provide close support, while Admiral William "Bull" Halsey's 3rd Fleet, containing Vice Admiral Marc Mitscher's Fast Carrier Task Force (TF38), stood further out to sea to provide cover. Moving forward, the landings on Leyte commenced Oct. 20, 1944."

According to Ben Menor, NaFFAA Region 8's Santa Clara County Chapter Chair, the Filipino community of Santa Clara County started commemorating the Leyte Landing in 1994.  It has been a tradition spearheaded by Filipino American World War II leaders to hold such an event.

In 1995 the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, led by then-Supervisor Mike Honda, held the event at Santa Clara County's favorite venue for celebrations, gatherings, and programs - the James P. McEntee, Sr. Civic Center Plaza.  Over 500 veterans, public officials, Consulate General staff and community leaders attended this historical occasion.  Proclamations came from the City of San Jose and Santa Clara County proclaiming the Leyte Landing as an official day to commemorate the tremendous sacrifice made by the Filipino World War II veterans.

This year, the commemorative event at Seasons Marketplace at Landess is co-sponsored by several community-based organizations, including the Filipino American National Historical Society's Santa Clara Valley Chapter; the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, Northern California - Region 8; Seasons MarketPlace at Landess; Asian American Recovery Services of Santa Clara County; and the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific American Democratic Club.

For more information about the event, contact any of the following representatives:

• Gabrielle Ramos, Seasons Marketplace at Landess, at 714-815-9899 or girly.seasons@gmail.com
• Ben Menor of NaFFAA Region 8 and SVAPADC, at BenMenor@yahoo.com
• Clarence Madrilejos of NaFFAA Region 8 and SVAPADC, at clarencem99@gmail.com
• Ron Muriera of the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the Filipino American National Historical Society at rpmuriera@yahoo.com

is located at 1535 Landess Avenue in Milpitas. Visit www.TheSeasonsMarketplace.com.