Vets relive end of World War 2 with surrender of Jap forces

BAGUIO CITY – World War 2 veterans wearing uniforms attended modest but meaningful activities here Monday to commemorate 73rd Victory Day or liberation of Baguio and the country from Japanese Imperial forces in World War 2.

Gen. Tomoyoki Yamashita of the Japanese Imperial Army on Sept. 3, 1945, formally signed surrender documents before ranking commanders of allied forces at Ambassador’s Residence here  inside Camp John Hay after he was captured by Filipino and American forces in Kiangan, Ifugao on Sept. 2, 1945.

World War II ended in Baguio City. Japanese warplanes, at the start of the war, bombed Camp John Hay on Dec. 8, 1942.

Last Monday, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office participated in the activities, where war veterans were recognized for their roles in the victory of the Filipino and American forces over the Japanese Imperial Army.

Before the regular flag-raising rites, city officials and surviving war veterans took part in a wreath laying ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park.

Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Brig. Gen. Restituto M. Aguilar (ret.), chief shrine curator and chief of the Veterans and Memorial Historical Division of PVAO, delivered their Victory Day messages.

Domogan said it is fitting to hold the celebration of Victory Day simultaneous with the regular flag-raising rites at Veterans Park to give appropriate recognition and honor to the surviving veterans and the sons and daughter of veterans for their gallantry and bravery in fighting for the liberation of the country during the Japanese occupation.

He urged residents and visitors alike to join the local government and the PVAO in the celebration of Victory Day and recognize the significance of Baguio City’s role during World War II.