Photo above shows Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon (4th from right) and officials from the Philippine Consulate General pose for a souvenir photo with veterans, officials and members of the Philippine Heritage Institute International and guests.

By JOSEPH G. LARIOSA (lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net)
(© 2012 Journal Group Link International)

Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon together with other officials of the Philippine Consulate General attended the screening of “Forgotten Soldiers” at the Arts Theatre of Long Beach, California on 4 August 2012.

“Forgotten Soldiers” was produced and directed by Mr. Donald Plata and written by Mr. Chris Schaefer. It tells the story of the Philippine Scouts, a group of elite U.S. Army soldiers who fought America’s first major ground battle during World War II. The gallant efforts of the Philippine Scouts helped in prolonging the Japanese Army’s siege of Bataan. Half of the Philippine Scouts were killed in action and in captivity while only a few survive today. Two former members of the Philippine Scouts, Mr. Barzaga and Mr. Coloma, attended the event.

The film screening, hosted by the Philippine Heritage Institute International, was opened to the public in order to increase awareness about the contributions and sacrifices of the Philippine Scouts during the Second World War.