Bataan Day in Chicago: Reflecting on Shared Sacrifices

The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago celebrated with the Filipino community and the Filipino and American veterans the 71st Commemoration of Bataan Day in Chicago.
In his remarks, Consul General Leo M. Herrera-Lim said: “More than remember and reflect on the uncommon valor shown by Filipino and American soldiers at the altar of freedom, our collective presence represents our shared resolve to make our generation worthy beneficiaries and responsible steward of freedom for future generation.”
In his Proclamation declaring “Bataan Day in Chicago,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel also “urges all Chicagoans to recognize the sacrifices and heroism made by American and Filipino veterans during the Second World War.”

Assistant Majority Leader and United States Senator Richard J. Durbin (Democrat-Illinois) also extended his greetings and said that: “As you gather to pay tribute to the veterans and survivors of the Bataan Death March, you have an opportunity to remember and reflect on the shared sacrifices and values of Filipino and American Soldiers during World War II.” United States Senator Mark Steven Kirk (Republican, Illinois), on the other hand, also extended his greetings: “Today, we want to recognize the American and Filipino veterans who fought in defense of Bataan and Corregidor in 1942. Our nation is grateful for your service. On this day we also remember those who perished in the infamous Bataan Death March. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
In her greeting to the veterans, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said that: “This infamous and horrific page from history needs to be remembered, in part so it is not repeated. But we also mark this day to remind ourselves of the sacrifices of these brave soldiers as well as of the strong bond forged between our nations. My thanks and thoughts go out to the remaining survivors of Bataan. We must never forget the amazing sacrifice they made.”
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, who was the guest speaker during the Program at the Consulate, extended his “warmest welcome as the veterans gather in observance of the 71st Commemoration of Bataan Day. I salute your invaluable service during World War II as you pay tribute to thousand of Filipino and American soldiers, who displayed extraordinary courage in defending Bataan and Corregidor in 1942. Your dedication to protecting our freedom is deserving of our undying respect. The 71st Commemoration of Bataan Day not only provides an opportunity to reflect upon past accomplishments, but also provides hope and anticipation of continued success in the future. As you celebrate your heritage and raise awareness of the rich traditions that have defined your culture, know that the people of Illinois join me in offering our thanks for a job well done. Your outstanding contributions have truly helped make Illinois a better place to work, live and raise a family.”
Among the guests were: the Filipino and American World War II veterans and their relatives, American Board Members and Officers of the Maywood Bataan Day organization, Filipino American veterans of Post 509, Filipino American Judge Israel Desierto (Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois), Commissioner Samuel Miller Jr. (Chairman of the City of Chicago’s Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Veterans Affairs), Director Matthew Abbott (Office of U.S. Senator Mark Steven Kirk), Mr. Kenneth Clarke (President and CEO Of Pritzker Military Library, Chicago) and Director Nancy Houghton, Ms. Julien Ann Baburka (Assistant to the Chief Financial Operating Advisor to the Illinois Governor), Director Marie Ann Limjoco (Office of U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky), Director Eric Salcedo and Ms. Nettie Lasko of the Attorney General’s Office, Mr. Gerard Moorer (Constituent Services Representative of U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis), Mr. Ed Ortiz and his partners and officers of the Public Accounting Firm EC Ortiz & Co., Commander Angelito Capati (Area Commander of the Order of the Knights of Rizal), some members of the U.S. Armed Services, Filipino American officers of the Chicago Police Department (CPD), leaders of the community, Veterans of the Foreign Wars of the United States, and members of the media.
As part of the celebration, Consul General Leo M. Herrera-Lim, assisted by Mrs. Fidelis C. Herrera-Lim and Secretary of State Jesse White presented the Philippine World War II Awards (Philippine Independence Medal, Philippine Defense Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation Badges and Certificates) to World War II Veterans – Mr. Porfirio L. Tabieros Sr. (90 years old), Dr. Eugene E. Bleil (93 years old), Dr. Lester Tenney (94 years old), Patrick Neil Kennedy (89 years old), and Everall D. Olson (posthumuously).