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Press Release
THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN CHICAGO COMMEMORATES “ARAW
NG KAGITINGAN” WITH WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY AND PHOTO EXHIBIT
The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, led by Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano, together with members of the Maywood Bataan Day Organization (MBDO), Bataan Organization in Illinois - USA, National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), Chicago Nightingales and Filipino American Veterans of Illinois (FAVI), commemorated "Araw ng Kagitingan" (Day of Valor) on Wednesday, 09 April 2025.
The ceremony commenced with a simple wreath-laying ceremony at the Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Bridge on State Street in downtown Chicago. Consulate officers and personnel, alongside community leaders and members, observed a moment of silence in tribute to the fallen heroes of World War II - Battle of Bataan. The marker was erected in 1949 dedicated to the memory of those gallant heroes from the Chicago area who were members of the besieged garrison on the Bataan peninsula and at Corregidor, Philippine Islands, in World War II.
The officials and staff of the Philippine Consulate, headed by Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano (seated fourth from left, front row) together with the members of the Filipino Community and personnel of Philippine Consulate General personnel.
A formal program at the Consulate followed the wreath-laying ceremony. Consul General Diano, in her remarks, remembered the bravery, sacrifice, and valor of the Filipino and American troops who fought side by side during the Battle of Bataan 83 years ago. She also underscored this part of our shared history with the United States as one of the foundations of our enduring bilateral relationship.
Mr. Edward Brotonel, Member of the Board of Directors of the Maywood Bataan Day
Organization, also delivered brief remarks honoring the World War II veterans for their patriotism, courage, and their enduring legacy.
After the speeches, the Consul General, Mr. Brotonel, Ms. Rose San Diego of the Chicago Nightingales, Mr. Ray Galicia of the Bataan Organization of Illinois, and Dra. Evelyn Natividad of NaFFAA, formally opened the Araw ng Kagitingan photo exhibit with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The photos in the exhibit show some of the events that happened in the Philippines during World War II, and are reminders of the brotherhood forged in blood between the Philippines and the United States. The photo exhibit will remain open to the public through 30 April 2025.END
The Consulate and members of the Filipino community pay tribute to the fallen heroes of World War II. (Photo Courtesy: Mr. Richard Osea)
Consul General Diano delivers her welcome remarks before the guests.(Photo courtesy: Ms. Cheryl Navarro)
Mr. Edward Brotonel, representing the Maywood Bataan Day Organization, delivers his remarks. (Photo courtesy: Mr. Richard Osea)
(Left to Right) Ms. Rose San Diego of Chicago Nightingales and FAVI, Mr. Edward Brotonel of Maywood Bataan Day Organization, Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano, Mr. Ray Galicia of Bataan Organization in Illinois-USA and Dra. Evelyn Natividad of NaFFAA.
(Left to right) Consul Melvin C. Almonguera, Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano, Consul Ma. Theresa Alders, Dr. Erlinda Natividad of NaFFAA and Consul Ella Karina R. Mitra. (Photo courtesy: Mr. Richard Osea)
The photo exhibit is open to the public until 30 April 2025.
Wreath laying at the Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Bridge
The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, led by Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano, together with members of the Maywood Bataan Day Organization (MBDO), Bataan Organization in Illinois - USA, National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), Chicago Nightingales and Filipino American Veterans of Illinois (FAVI), commemorated "Araw ng Kagitingan" (Day of Valor) on Wednesday, 09 April 2025.
The ceremony commenced with a simple wreath-laying ceremony at the Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Bridge on State Street in downtown Chicago. Consulate officers and personnel, alongside community leaders and members, observed a moment of silence in tribute to the fallen heroes of World War II - Battle of Bataan. The marker was erected in 1949 dedicated to the memory of those gallant heroes from the Chicago area who were members of the besieged garrison on the Bataan peninsula and at Corregidor, Philippine Islands, in World War II.
The officials and staff of the Philippine Consulate, headed by Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano (seated fourth from left, front row) together with the members of the Filipino Community and personnel of Philippine Consulate General personnel.
A formal program at the Consulate followed the wreath-laying ceremony. Consul General Diano, in her remarks, remembered the bravery, sacrifice, and valor of the Filipino and American troops who fought side by side during the Battle of Bataan 83 years ago. She also underscored this part of our shared history with the United States as one of the foundations of our enduring bilateral relationship.
Mr. Edward Brotonel, Member of the Board of Directors of the Maywood Bataan Day
Organization, also delivered brief remarks honoring the World War II veterans for their patriotism, courage, and their enduring legacy.
After the speeches, the Consul General, Mr. Brotonel, Ms. Rose San Diego of the Chicago Nightingales, Mr. Ray Galicia of the Bataan Organization of Illinois, and Dra. Evelyn Natividad of NaFFAA, formally opened the Araw ng Kagitingan photo exhibit with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The photos in the exhibit show some of the events that happened in the Philippines during World War II, and are reminders of the brotherhood forged in blood between the Philippines and the United States. The photo exhibit will remain open to the public through 30 April 2025.END
The Consulate and members of the Filipino community pay tribute to the fallen heroes of World War II. (Photo Courtesy: Mr. Richard Osea)
Consul General Diano delivers her welcome remarks before the guests.(Photo courtesy: Ms. Cheryl Navarro)
Mr. Edward Brotonel, representing the Maywood Bataan Day Organization, delivers his remarks. (Photo courtesy: Mr. Richard Osea)
(Left to Right) Ms. Rose San Diego of Chicago Nightingales and FAVI, Mr. Edward Brotonel of Maywood Bataan Day Organization, Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano, Mr. Ray Galicia of Bataan Organization in Illinois-USA and Dra. Evelyn Natividad of NaFFAA.
(Left to right) Consul Melvin C. Almonguera, Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano, Consul Ma. Theresa Alders, Dr. Erlinda Natividad of NaFFAA and Consul Ella Karina R. Mitra. (Photo courtesy: Mr. Richard Osea)
The photo exhibit is open to the public until 30 April 2025.
Wreath laying at the Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Bridge