Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez led the inauguration on March 21, the long-awaited Veterans World War II Memorial Square at the Victorias City Public Plaza.
Amid the celebration of its 26th Charter Anniversary, Victorias opened the first-ever Veterans monument in the Province of Negros Occidental, dedicated to the four resistance groups who fought against the foreign enemy aggression.
These groups are the so-called pillars of the resistance, namely, United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), guerillas, volunteer guards, and the civil government commanded by Mayor Alfredo Montelibano Sr.
“This monument is designed to retell the stories of war and remember the valor of our war veterans and heroes. With this, their legacy will always be remembered, celebrated, and remain in our hearts forever,” Mayor Benitez said.
One of the features of the monument are marble slabs containing a detailed account of the events that took place in Victorias during the foreign enemy invasion.
These marble slabs also contain the remarkable names of those who made significant contributions during World War II.
Oscar Roldan and Nonan Sablan delivered a message during the inauguration, on behalf of all the veterans’ descendants.
Furthermore, Councilor Dino Acuña welcomed the witnesses and guests of the ceremony, according to a statement issued by the City Public Information Office. Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, city councilors, barangay officials, and relatives of the war veterans attended the inauguration ceremony, together with Provincial Board Members Manuel Frederick Ko and Andrew Montelibano.*
