The City Government of Cagayan de Oro, the Cagayan de Oro World War II & Veterans Studies Committee, Veterans Federation of the Philippines Region X, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office and 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, commemorated the 82nd Anniversary of General Douglas MacArthur’s arrival at Macabalan Port aboard PT-41 piloted by Lt. John Bulkeley, USN.
15 Veterans Federation of the Phils Region X Pres Col Jose Paler (ret) and friends.
The famous Breakout from Corregidor is significant in history because it enabled the highest ranking American officer in Asia to escape capture by the Imperial Japanese Army and lead the counterattack from Australia to recapture the Philippines.
The highlight of this 82nd Anniversary was the official turnover of the repaired scale model of PT-41 (which was damaged after it was left out in the sun last year) by the donors led by the Sons and Daughters of World War II veterans and represented by former Mayor Constantino G. Jaraula and Engr. Elpidio M. Paras.
Mayor Tinnex and Engr Elpie were two of the spark plugs who originally spearheaded the construction of this MacArthur Memorial Marker in 2008 in coordination with Cagayan de Oro City’s Sister City in Norfolk, Virginia and the MacArthur Memorial Museum thereat. It was inaugurated on March 13, 2008 with the late former President Fidel V. Ramos as guest of honor.
Following is the full text of Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy’s 82nd Anniversary message as read by City Administrator Atty. Roy Hilario Raagas:
“As we mark today the 82nd Commemoration of the arrival of General Douglas MacArthur in Cagayan de Oro City on March 13, 1942, en route to Australia, it is with great reverence and gratitude that we remember this pivotal moment in our city’s history.
11 The MacArthur Memorial was a project of Rotary International headed by former Mayor Constantino G Jaraula in 2008.
Niining tungura, atong sublion pagpadangat ang atong dakong pasalamat ngadto sa mga bayaning kalalakin-an ug kababayin-an sa Pilipinhon nga mibarog ug nakigbisog ug nakigtambayayong uban sa Armadong Kusog sa Tinipong Bansa sa America, nga gipangulohan ni General MacArthur, alang sa kagawasan sa atong pinalanggang nasud nga Pilipinas, lakip na ang atong gihigugmang Dakbayan sa Cagayan de Oro, gikan sa pagkagapos sa mga puwersa sa Imperyo Hapon niadtong Ika-duhang Gubat sa Kalibutan.
Their courage, sacrifices, and unwavering patriotism during the dark days of the Second World War continue to inspire us.
We owe a debt of gratitude to our war veterans, the Philippine guerrilla forces, and their descendants, some whom are here today with us, who have kept alive the memory of their selfless actions.
Let us never forget the lessons of history and the price of freedom. As we honor the memory of those who fought valiantly for our freedom, let us also commit ourselves to preserving the peace and unity they so dearly fought for.
Niining labing mahinungdanong okasyon, akong ipadangat ang akong kinasingkasing nga pagsaludo ug matinud-anong pagdayeg sa tanang mga sumusunod sa atong mga bayani sa Ikaduhang Gubat sa Kalibutan nga mga kaliwat natong Pilipinhon.
Ang pagkamabinantayon, pakigbisog ug mga sakripisyo sa atong mga katigulangan nahiusa ug nahimong tipik sa kasaysayan sa atong nasud ug dakbayan, ug aduna kitay walay katapusan ug kinutubang utang kabubot-on ngadto kanila.
May their legacy of courage, resilience, and love for our country continue to guide and inspire us as we build a better future for the generations to come.
Mabuhi ang Cagayan de Oro! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!”
