The City Government of Victorias led by Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez inaugurated the long-awaited Veterans World War II Memorial Square at the City Public Plaza on Thursday, March 21.
Amid the celebration of its 26th Charter Anniversary, Victorias opened the first-ever Veterans monument in Negros Occidental dedicated to the four resistance groups who fought against the foreign enemy aggression, a press release from the Victorias City government said.
These groups are the so-called pillars of the resistance groups namely, United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), guerilla, volunteer guards, and the civil government commanded by Mayor Alfredo Montelibano Sr.
“This monument is designed to retell the stories of war and remember the valor of our war veterans and heroes. With this, their legacy will always be remembered, celebrated, and remain in our hearts forever,” Benitez said.
One of the highlight features of the monument is the marble slabs containing a detailed account of the events that took place in Victorias during the foreign enemy invasion.
These marble slabs also contain the remarkable names who made significant contributions during World War II, he said.
Oscar Roldan and Nonan Sablan delivered messages during the inauguration on behalf of all the veterans’ descendants.
Councilor Dino Acuña welcomed the witnesses and guests at the ceremony.
Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, city councilors, barangay officials, and relatives of the war veterans also attended the inauguration ceremony together with Provincial Board Members Manuel Frederick Ko and Andrew Montelibano.*