On Monday, May 31st, Memorial Day, Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc. (PACCAL); the Philippine American Veterans Organization, Inc. (PAVO) and the Filipino American National Historical Society, New Jersey Chapter (FANHS NJ), held a memorial service for Filipino-American World War II veterans.

Linda Mayo, PACCAL executive director remembered the late Col. Mariano S. Aureus who together with other WWII veterans founded PAVO to start the fight for equity which they finally won after more than 60 years of fighting for it. She thanked all the veterans both living and dead and extolled on their heroism.

Jose G. Red, a WWII veteran who led the service was passionate in his speech and spoke about his fallen comrades who had fought side-by-side with their American comrades in their quest for freedom and democracy.

Fred T. Diaz and Nick Casino, both WWII veterans who had already celebrated their 93rd birthdays blurted a duet of “Bayan Ko” which inspired the crowd to join in. The other veteran present was Espiridion Villanueva who was very thankful of receiving the $15,000 equity although it might be too little too late.

Nestor Enriquez, FANHS NJ president spoke about the historical aspect of Filipinos participating in the Census 2010. He said that 75 years from now, our great grandchildren can do research on history and use the Census data to find where their great grandparents lived. Mr. Enriquez stated that’s how he found out information he used for his historical research in Filipino immigrants in New Jersey.

Patricia Green, Census community partner specialist said it is still not too late to participate in the Census 2010. She added, if the enumerators come knocking on your doors to fully cooperate with them.