Memorial pays tribute to Filipino Americans
By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer
Filipino patriots, living and deceased, will be celebrated at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the unveiling of a memorial to Filipino-American veterans of World War II.
Unveiling of the World War II Filipino-American Veterans Memorial
It seems appropriate, say the planners of the event, that the monument, a 6-by-10-foot masonry structure housing a granite plaque, would be built at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu, and right next to the statue of Philippines national hero Jose Rizal.
Public invited
"He's like the George Washington of the Philippines," said Eddie Flores Jr., business leader and a founder of the community center. "We're very honored to have it placed there."
As it happens, the unveiling was planned to coincide with a commemoration of Rizal's death and an Olangapo Association of Hawai'i fiesta celebration across the street at Hans L'Orange Park.
Flores said the idea for the monument originated with the center's board two years ago. The project got support from the staff of Mayor Jeremy Harris, he said, but stalled when an anticipated $50,000 grant was not available. The project has come together with pro bono work by architect Oscar Paez Jr., Lito Alcantra of Group Builders Inc. and others in the Filipino community.
Paez's design incorporates opposing posts representing the Philippines and the United States, connected by an arched segment bearing insignia of units from the Filipino and American armies.
The wording on the plaque, white on black granite, pays tribute to veterans as well as "civilians who helped bring an end to World War II."
"This is one of the few war memorials that honors the civilians as well," said Domingo Los Banos, a veteran of the U.S. Army's 1st and 2nd Filipino Infantry Regiments.
The Filipino Community Center is at 94-428 Mokuola St.
Reach Vicki Viotti at vviotti@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8053.
