July 2006
They have been having reunions all these years, this group of US Paratroopers that landed in Luzon during WW2. But this time around, it was in Kansas City! And this time around, they had no idea that they themselves would be "invaded!"
Now octogenarians, these gallant liberators came from all over the US - some alone, some with a companion or two. But for a couple of hours on June 16 at the Courtyard Marriott, we were one big happy family, united by the reality of war and the gift of freedom. On that emotional evening, "friendly fire" meant songs, dances, gifts, hugs and tears from a grateful contingent of local Pinoys representing the Filipino Association, the Philippine Nurses Association and the KC World Outreach Lions Club. We were literally like children thanking our parents for what they've done for us!
June 12. July 4. Add June 16. Another day when history visited us and touched the lives of Filipinos in Greater KC.
