The community got together to officially celebrate the first Filipino American History month on Oct. 25.

I would like to thank the steering committee: Rosalie Marquez of the Filipino American Historical Society, Central Coast Chapter; Edgar Vea of Filipino Community of Santa Maria Valley and vicinity; Annie Mosqueda of Filipino Seniors of Santa Maria; Charles Lara of Fil-Am Association of Santa Maria Valle, Inc.; Margie Talaugon of the Central Coast Filipino Coalition.

In addition, our heartfelt thanks to the following people who made cash and in-kind donations: Joe and Margie Talaugon, Jay De Vera, Rose Mangosong, Rudy and Florence Tablang, Robert Fernandez, Rose Sagisi, Flor and Thelma Mina, Ben Reyes, Roni and Eddie Calibjo, Rick Garbin, Manuel and Minda Garcia, Ceferino Nobleza, Calixto Pascual, Wenceslao Garcia, Cirilio Garcia, Asela Patague, Flora Ocampo, Charles and Larina Lara, Ben and Annie Mosqueda, Ernie and Thelma Cabanas, Bill and Rosalie Marquez, Mike and Fay Gagarin, Gloria Bautista and David Silva, Lito Aquilizan, Carmen Juanich, Zaldy Funiesta, Tessie Lozano, FANHS, Filipino Seniors, Fil-Am, Barasenians and Charina's Home Care.

We want to also acknowledge the hard work of the people behind the scene: Larina Lara, Jonathan Lara and Jay De Vera.

We also would like to thank the Santa Maria Historical Society and all the veterans of all wars that supported this celebration in honoring the Filipino American WWII veterans. We hope all the other Filipino organizations will get involve in future celebrations.

Rose Sagisi

Santa Maria