Former Philippine President & Imelda Marcos

Written by: Esther

Election time in USA!

We are very fortunate to have the freedom of choice.

As a filipina-born and now a US citizen, I am proud to be able to exercise this freedom.

The Philippines (my birth country) is still very dear to my heart. It had gone through numerous political changes since I was born in 1947. But what's constant is relative PEACE in general. Yes, USA liberated my beloved country (Philippines) from the Japanese occupation. Since then, we became independent, a peace loving country.

Of course, I grew up admiring the US soldier! A great liberator, a lover of freedom and peace! Sixty (60) years of peace like USA is awesome! Thank you, USA!

I had the great privilege to meet the former President Ferdinand Marcos & the former first lady, Imelda Marcos. Of course, everyone knows that the president was deposed by the people with the help of the United States. Well, as a Christian believer, I know that "events" are orchestrated by someone up there in heaven. God allow things to happen according to his will.

We do our part by voting (I hope you do, tomorrow). As Christians, we can be used by God to do His will. Doing nothing is not acceptable. Let us get involved. Let us vote!

Yes, again I say I am very fortunate to meet Ex-President Ferdinand E. Marcos (before passing away) and the famous Imelda R. Marcos. It was a first-hand experience to hear their opinion and share a part of my country's political history, the events that led to their fleeing the Philippines. Thanks to my husband Ben and his family who are related to the Marcoses.

The Marcoses arrived in Honolulu, February 26, 1986 aboard a U.S. Air Force transport plane after fleeing the Philippines. Many may not agree with me, but I am glad the first family cooperated with the US political leaders. This saved many lives.

Thanks for the memories. I will keep them forever in my heart!

A Gentleman & A Soldier

Written by: Esther

After we moved to Marion from New York in 1975, my cousin Prescy, who came to help when our daughter Nikki was born, remembered that she and our relatives had a pen pal from Ohio.

We contacted our parents right away and gathered more information about him. His name was Delbert Smith, and guess what? He lived here in Marion, Ohio.

He was in the USAF who served in the Philippines. My cousin and I thought of him (whom we never met) as a "faceless" good man, a man who my family lost contact with for 20 years.

When my relatives came to visit us, we set up a reunion. It was awesome!

He was a tall (6' 4"), good-looking guy, with a military bearing, even after many years since he served his country. He showed us all the letters & momentos he received from my family. The letters were well-preserved and we had a great time reading them.

He was also a very caring, loving and smart educated man. He believed in good education. My cousin Prescy now a physician in Little Rock, Arkansas, and I will never forget his financial help during our early schooling.

It was a great joy that I and my family had the chance to return the favor with our time and love when he got sick & lived alone at the Marion Square Apartments until he rested in peace.

After his funeral, we also had the chance to meet other members of his family and friends in our home. We found out that after coming back from his military service, he became a respected educator & taught English & Spanish. He was also a musician and played piano in his church.

I salute him for his love to God, to his country, and his sacrifice to his fellowman.

I am blessed to have known and met a gentleman, educator and a soldier!