Gun Salute and Taps for a Fallen FilAm WWII Veteran

A full military honor was accorded to FilAm WWII Veteran Vivencio Mangahas Padilla at his Memorial Service by the American Legion District 13 Honor Guard led by Adjutant Eddie Arabe on 2 March 2008 at the Northside Community Center in San Jose, CA.

Retired US Navy Chief Air Traffic Controller, the organizer of the event in his welcome remarks invoked the presence of God and thanked the congregation for coming and added, "As we give our respect for Brother Vivencio Padilla through this vigil, we also pray for the eternal repose of his soul in his new life ahead.This is also the time his comrades-in-arms in the American Legion provide him the traditional military way of farewell for a friend and fellow member."

WWII Vivencio Mangahas Padilla's widow, Ana Mae Gonzaga accepted a Letter of Condolences from Marciano A. Paynor, Jr.San Francisco Consul General on behalf of the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate, a letter of Recognition from San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, a Posthumous Commendation Award from Milpitas Mayor Joe Esteves and Certificate of Appreciation from the American Legion Post 858 for exemplary service to country and the community.

MGen Delfin N.Lorenzana AFP(Ret),Minister-Counselor and Special Presidential Representative and Head, Office of Veterans Affairs at the Philippines Embassy who is currently in Manila on a consultation visit with the home office and upon receiving the information about the passing of WWII Vet Vivencio Padilla commented, "George, it is sad indeed that our WWII veterans are slowly passing away in ever increasing numbers. Of the 18,155 I counted last May 2007,I am afraid they are lesser than 17,000 now.What good will it be if when the Equity bill is signed into law, no one is left behind to benefit? Phyrric victory indeed. But, we should slog on for our veterans. I am trying to convince our elected officals here to write to their counterparts in the US Congress to let them know how important this legislation is to the Filipino people. Thanks a lot for updating me of our veterans in your area and please extend my sincerest condolences to the relatives and friends of WWII Veteran Vivencio Padilla.
Mabuhay kayo!"

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• American
• Legion
• George
• Gange
• Northside
• Community
• Center
• San
• Jose
• Ca.
• Mayor
• Chuck
• Reed
• Joe
• Esteves

[tapstrumpeter]

too bad it's a fake taps on one of those digital bugles

Veterans deserve better.........

[chiefgange]

I concur with you, TT. It's quite hard to get the real things now a days when most of our active heroes in uniform are away fighting for our freedom. I reckon you volunteer your services for those fallen comrades of ours who may have a need of your expertise.

Thanks and God Bless.

[rmcagg]

The use of electronic Taps at a funeral is disrespectful and tacky. What's next...robots to fire rifles!?

[KDODND]

@stevendale211 Taps

[stevendale211]

dude., what do they called about that music on 0:20., pls reply asap...

[redzdvl]

@tapstrumpeter I noticed that right away too ... that is why I am part of "Bugles Across America" ~ when someone requests a LIVE rendition of TAPS to be played ~ BAA emails me basic details & contact info so I can volunteer to perform at which ever event I can. It was a sad, sad day when they went to "canned taps"

Thanks to all Past, Present & Future for your service!!

I Stand For Those That Stood For US! ~ VA Patriot Guard Riders, District 6.

BAA member!

Never Forget!

[thebrian266]

god bless the heroes that fight for our freedom long live the usa

[ralphbosero]

The origin and meaning of the three volleys of rifle fire at the graveside during a military funeral has never been completely explained. One author suggests that the firing of three volleys over the grave stems from the same sense of superstition that resulted in the Chinese setting off firecrackers at funerals, the idea being to scare away the evil spirits which are supposed to hang around at a burial.

[SmashBros10]

justice for fil-am benefit equality