The Philippines Should Celebrate Armistice Day

In many countries around the world today (November 11, 2012) the celebration of the end of World War I is taking place. Some countries call it Remembrance Day, others call it Armistice Day or Veterans Day, Poppy Day, and even others call it Anzac Day. No matter what, the celebration is the same. The day celebrates not only the end of the war, but it also celebrates military veterans.

Little is talked about in the Philippines about World War I and many don't even know that the Philippines helped contribute to the war. Nonetheless, as a territory of the United States, the Philippines created an army of 25,000 soldiers to send to Europe to help with the cause. Even though the units did not serve by themselves, they were absorbed into American units and fought alongside them.

The first Filipino to die in World War I was Private Tomas Mateo Claudio, who served in the United States Marine Corp. He died on June 29, 1918 in the Battle of Chateau Thierry in France. In 1950, Tomas Claudio Memorial College in Morong Rizal, Philippines was founded and named in his honor.

As a way to show peace happened with the help of the Philippines, to help educate young people about their great grandfather's duties during the war, and to help us remember all the brave Filipinos who have fought and died in wars to secure peace around the world, the Philippines should celebrate today and show support in bringing this day as a public holiday.