Tomas Claudio Post 1063 VFW Celebrates 90th Anniversary in Philadelphia

by Dr. Joan May Cordova @ForCommunities

Led by Commander Tony Sostenes Rivera, the Tomas Claudio Post 1063 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) celebrated its 90th Anniversary in Philadelphia on November 9, 2013. Some 100 guests who gathered during Veterans Day weekend felt honored by Commander Riveras presence as one of the regions few surviving World War II veterans. Manong Tony Rivera spoke of leading the post for many years.

Past adjutant Senen Fontanilla welcomed guests who gathered both to honor veterans as well as to celebrate the crowning of the Ladies Auxiliarys 25th annual Buddy Poppy- a tradition created to engage youth in activities with the VFW.

Ladies Auxiliary and District President Purita Acosta spoke of how the event honored all veterans present, those in memoriam, and those POWs and MIA. We ask all Americans to remember these POW and MIA women and men who did not come home, said President Acosta. She also explained the significance of the empty table setting for the missing man.

In a moving ritual led by the Ladies Auxiliary, members placed flowers on a memorial table as individual names of veterans were called.

After Tomas Claudio Post 1063 VFW Commander Tony Rivera, District Commander Jeffries, and Councilman David Oh lit candles to honor veterans, they saluted their fallen comrades.

Photographed from left to right: Dr. Rommel Rivera, President of the Filipino American Association of Philadelphia; Mrs. Purita Acosta, Ladies Auxiliary and District President; Mr. Senen Fontanilla, Past Adjutant of Tomas Claudio Post 1063 VFW; Mr. Sostones Rivera, Commander of Tomas Claudio Post 1063 VFW with Mr.Clifford Jeffries, Commander First District, Department of Foreign Wars of the U.S.A. Councilman David Oh then read and presented a Proclamation from the City of Philadelphia to Tomas Claudio Post 1063 VFW in honor of their 90th Anniversary. Both he and Commander Jeffries gave brief remarks on the significance of veterans lives and work.

The event concluded with the coronation of 2013 Buddy Poppy Boy Carl Christian and Buddy Poppy Girl Maliyah Lyn Jalosjos. Both are grandchildren of World War II veterans.