At 102 years old, Glicerio Valdez, Sr. is a living testament of heroism, patriotism and gallantry.
As the province celebrates the 68th anniversary of the Lingayen Gulf Landings and Veterans Day, January 9, Valdez will be given honor for the third year now as the “oldest living Pangasinan war veteran” in a solemn and memorable rites dedicated to the heroes of World War II.
Valdez was 34 years old when he joined the Allied Liberation Forces, composed of Americans, Australians, and other nationalities, that landed in the shores of Lingayen on January 9, 1945 to liberate Luzon from the Japanese invaders.
The grand old man of Pangasinan veterans, who was a retired U.S. Army Sergeant, lives in Alcala town.
He is one of the few living Pangasinenses who stood witnesses to the Lingayen Gulf Landing that took place January 9 to 23, 1945 along the entire coast of Linageyn Gulf covering the towns of San Fabian, Dagupan, Binmaley, Lingayen, Labrador and Sual in the west.
Meanwhile, Hilaria J. Claveria, Provincial Budget Officer and Chairman of this year’s Veterans Day celebration, said that it is fitting to pay tribute to the heroes of World War II thru a solemn celebration comprised of four parts that will kick off with a Thanksgiving Mass.
Claveria said that immediately after the celebration of the mass, will be the second part which is the wreath laying activity will follow to be preceded with the program.
The third part according to the budget officer will be the annual medical mission which is part of the special privileges granted by the provincial government to the Pangasinan veterans where they can avail free consultation and medicines.
As a special feature, the provincial government and the Philippine Veterans Bank published a book entitled Biographical Sketches of Pangasinan Heroes of World War II written by Dr. Cecilia Garanciang and Deborah Castillo. (PIO/Ruby R. Bernardino)