JFAV/AWARE MARKED 65th LEYTE LANDING, on October 22 at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical

AWARE Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009 at 11:01 AM
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Media Advisory
Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE)
Contact Person: Arturo P. Garcia
Phone- (213) 241-0906
October 24, 2009

JFAV/AWARE MARKED 65th LEYTE LANDING, on October 22 at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC)

Los Angeles—The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of veterans, widows, students and youth and community advocates in the United States and the Association of Widows, Relatives and Advocates for Equality (AWARE) in Los Angeles marked the 65th year anniversary of the Leyte Landing on October 20, 1944 with a commemorative rites at the AWARE general assembly last October 22, 2009 at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center Lecture hall

Mel Ilomin, Senator Gil Cedillo’s representative awarded a certificate of appreciation to AWARE. The Vice-president of HPMC also graced the occasion. She was introduced by Mr. Errol Santos, AWARE adviser and HPMC.

Some the Korean veterans also joined the event. Invited guests Consul general of the Philippines, May Jo Aragon who was represented by Deputy Consul Daniel Espiritu. Mr. Errol Santos and Mr. Arturo P. Garcia acted as emcees for the Oct. 22 AWARE event.

The AWARE also paid tribute to veteran,. Mariano Pastorin, departed AWARE board of director.

JFAV Sets Mass action on Nov. 11, 2009“

For the Filipinos, this is the start of the liberation of our country. For three years we endured the occupation of the Japanese and fought for our liberties. We waged a war of resistance and liberated our country later.

But we have a struggle to win. That is winning the benefits for the widows and the veterans who were excluded from the American benefits enhancement act in 2008.” said Commander Lulu Astilla, AWARE president.

Meanwhile ”. Arturo P. Garcia, JFAV National coordinator AWARE secretary said: “ We call on all veterans, widows and fellow advocates to reiterate on this day that our struggle is not finished.

We must struggle for equality, our rights and our benefits. Thus, we must commemorate this day as a day for our struggle and liberation."

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