PALO, Leyte — The provincial government of Leyte on Sunday led the commemoration of the 80th Leyte Gulf Landings, a historic event that marked the start of the Philippines' liberation from Japanese occupation during World War II.

In his anniversary message, Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla emphasized why there is a need to commemorate the occasion every year.

"It retells the story so that the heroism of our veterans is not forgotten," Petilla said.

"We must remember not just the victory but also the peace achieved by the sacrifices of Filipino and American soldiers who fought in the war," he added.

On Oct. 20, 1944, the United States Navy landed four Sixth Army divisions on the island of Leyte.

Later that day, General Douglas MacArthur broadcast his "I have returned" radio message to the Filipino people.

The Japanese believed that if Leyte was lost, the rest of the Philippines would soon follow, so they prepared to send five large naval units to drive out the American fleet and add more men for land battle.

This response would result in the largest and toughest sea battle of World War 2, the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

Speaker Martin Romualdez expressed the significance of "solidarity" among nations as a means of promoting peace.

"It is a privilege to join you here as we celebrate a singularly significant event in history, not just for the country but for the world," Romualdez said.

"These pave the way for the continued development of our respective countries, further strengthening our diplomatic and economic relations, opening up new opportunities, all for our mutual benefit," he added.

The event was attended by Ambassadors Hae Kyung Yu of Australia, Endo Kazuya of Japan, US Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre and Leyte 2nd District Rep. Lolita Karen Javier.

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