Join us for an insightful afternoon at Mare Island Historic Park Foundation's Speaker Series on August 18th at 3 PM in St. Peter's Chapel. We are honored to host our distinguished speaker, Cecilia I. Gaerlan, the proud daughter of a Bataan Death March survivor, who will present Telesforo Trinidad and Filipinos in the US Navy.
Vallejo’s population is over 20% Filipino, and a significant reason for that is the United States Navy. On January 15, 1921, aboard USS San Diego (ACR-6) Fireman Second Class Telesforo Trinidad heroically rescued two shipmates following boiler explosions in two firerooms. At great risk to his life and suffering from severe burns to his face, he lived up to the military ethos to “leave no man behind.” Trinidad is the only Asian American during peacetime to ever receive the Medal of Honor for heroism above and beyond the call of duty.
Ms. Cecilia I. Gaerlan is the founder and executive director of the Bataan Legacy Historical Society and was a founding member of the campaign that resulted in the naming of the first U.S. Navy ship after a Filipino American sailor, the USS Telesforo Trinidad(DDG-139). Her organization also changed the California Department of Education’s 11th-grade history curriculum to include a discussion of the Philippines in World War II. She also sits on the Board of Trustees of the Hornet Sea, Air and Space Museum.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn about Telesforo Trinidad and Filipinos in the US Navy. We look forward to seeing you there!
Tickets are limited! Purchase your tickets today:
- Advanced Tickets: $15
- MIHPF members receive a $5 discount
- Tickets at the door: $20