People who love the country can change the impossible odds.

This statement was proven to be true by men and women who sacrificed their life during historic landings of the Allied Forces led by General Douglas MacArthur at the Lingayen Gulf that led to the liberation of Luzon and eventually of the Philippines and the Pacific area from the Japanese imperial forces.

As the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, commemorates 79th Lingayen Gulf Landings of the Allied Forces and 17th Veteran’s Day, held Tuesday at the Veterans Memorial Park in Lingayen town, at least 12 living World War II veterans in Pangasinan came proud and waxing nostalgic during event.

This is to inspire the youth in the province with their stories of bravery and patriotism and encourage the youth to remain vigilant and preserve the spirit of love to the country.

In a documentary video titled Pamana produced and shown by the Provincial Information and Media Relations Office during the commemoration, Godofredo dela Cruz, 97 of Labrador town, called on all future defenders to “remain vigilant for another battle looms on our horizon.”

“You our future defenders, hold the key to preserving our nations’ legacy. Embrace the torch of patriotism and carry it forward with unwavering determination,” dela Cruz said.

Dela Cruz shared that he is a volunteer and a replacement of his aged father during the war.

He encouraged the younger generation to spread the flame of unwavering determination and inspire others to become future defenders – a noble cause.

“Together, as I am still alive we will ensure the spirit of love for our country burns brightly for generations to come,” dela Cruz said.

Raymundo Cabrera, 98, a veteran from Dagupan City, described his experience during the war as a “prison ward” where he was sent to remote places.

“For young generations, I hope you use your head. Whatever problem, assemble your mind and do what is right,” Cabrera said.

Valentine Untalan, 107, the oldest living veteran of Pangasinan, shared that he experienced staying in the water for 24 hours while he guarded his post and waiting to be relieved by another soldier.

“Sometimes, they have no replacement for me so I cannot quit my job without my replacement,” Untalan narrated.

Encouraging the young people of the province, Untalan advised them to, “Be honest to yourself and be a hardworking man in order to succeed in life.

Likewise, Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III called during the commemoration the preservation and promotion of history for the next generation.

He also described the commemoration as "happy and sad" as World War II veterans whose number back then was up to a hundred but to date, it is now down to only 37.

Guico noted that the commemoration will always be a treasure to the province “because these are the very intangible things we need to give importance to as we will not be enjoying our freedom if not for their sacrifices and patriotism.”

In his message, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, urged the public to reflect on the patriotism and sacrifices of the veterans for the liberation of the country.

“I urge the descendants, the families of the veterans to be proud of their lolos and lolas for the gift of freedom they bestowed to the land,” he said.

Indeed, we should  think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please but as the opportunity to do what is right for our country. (JCR/MJTAB/EMSA/PIA Pangasinan)