Lingayen Gulf in Pangasinan has among the most beautiful bays in the Philippines. It has been a fascinating tourist spot that attracts visitors throughout the country and never fails to astound people. Aside from it being a tourist destination, Lingayen Gulf is a significant place in Philippine history as it had figured prominently in World War II.  Every year, residents, dignitaries, veterans and their families celebrate the Lingayen Gulf Festival in memory of the liberation of Lingayen and the surrounding area from the Japanese by Allied troops led by General Douglas McArthur.

Bayanihan.org covered the 68th anniversary celebration of Lingayen Gulf, participated in by Former Senator Leticia Ramos Shahani as the guest of honor and speaker, Gov. Amado Espino Jr. who led the commemoration rites, and some 1000 veterans of World War II. The celebration commemorates the landing of the liberation forces in the Lingayen Gulf on Jan. 9, 1945 that led to the liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese invaders.

The ceremony started with a thanksgiving mass from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at 8:15 a.m. with the presence of the Philippine Army Band, Northern Luzon command assisting. Former Senator Leticia Ramos Shahani and Gov. Espino led the wreath-laying in honor of the fallen Allied soldiers in that landing accompanied by General Anthony Alcantara, commander of Nolcom; Philippine Veterans Affairs Administrator Ernesto Carolina, and James Curtis Smith, president of the Returned and Services League of Australia. Gov. Espino  also presented an award to the oldest surviving veteran.

A video presentation is the highlight of the event that features the Memories of World War II in Pangasinan, including interviews with surviving veterans of World War II. After the ceremony, there was a medical mission for the war veterans and their kin.