SURVIVING Filipino veterans of the Korean War in the 1950s gather together today to commemorate the conflict that “divided a nation, claimed the lives millions, and altered the course of international history.”
This gathering of extraordinary gentlemen, held at the Peace Room of the Parañaque City Public Library, was meant not only to remember that fateful day of June 25, 1950 as a day of sorrow. but also a “time to honor the courage of those who fought, and to recommit to the promise of peace,” referring to the members of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK).
In his opening remarks, John Rommel Garces, chief branch manager of the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a South Korea-based international peace organization founded by Chairman Lee Man-hee, himself a Korean War veteran, reflected on the transformation of a soldier into a peace advocate, He urged all nations to pursue reconciliation over conflict.
“The aging PEFTOK veterans were visibly moved by the tribute, among them Rodrigo Ereño, 93, from the 14th Battalion Command Team and Prudencio Manuel, 87, from the 2nd Battalion Command Team. They shared their wartime stories during the heartfelt segment, “Kwento ng Kagitingan,” the event organizers said in a statement.
