The State of California on Sept. 25 filed Resolution Chapter 120 designating October 2009, and every October thereafter, as Filipino American History Month.

Santa Maria's first official commemoration of this resolution was celebrated Oct. 25 at the home of Charles Lara, with 70 people in attendance.

Twenty Filipino American World War II veterans were honored at the celebration for their contributions and sacrifices in "fighting for freedom and for being part of Filipino American history," according to event organizers.

The veterans stood erect as the color guards presented the United States flag, and saluted as taps were played by Richard Novoa.

The Boots and Chutes color guards from Guadalupe - Louie Navarro, Jimmy Castillo, Richard Novoa and Rudy Galvan - took part in the event.

As part of the recognition ceremonies, four Vietnam veterans - Santos Rosa, Jimmy Salutan, Junior Lariba and Henry Ruiz - presented the certificates to eight of the 20 local Filipino American World War II veterans: Ricarte L. Garbin, Calixto S. Pascual, Sixto Almario, Ben C. Reyes, Wencelao Garcia, Anastacio P. Briones, Ben Mosqueda (survivor of the Baatan Death March and a Scout), and Melanio Guillen (survivor of the Baatan Death March and who received the honored Purple Heart medal).

Unable to attend were Dominador Cortez, Fortunato V. Serquina, Ceferino Nobleza, Andrew Gonzales, Alfredo Mendoza, Demetrio T. Delos Santos, Sonny Javier, Marcelino Eines, Ingracio Briones, Hilario Patague, Cirilo L. Castillo and Ben Dineros.

Ricarte L. Garbin, Filipino American veteran, received the "Patriot of the Year 2009" award "in recognition for his thoughtfulness and well being in caring for his fellow brothers," according to event organizers.

Event sponsors were the Filipino Community, Fil Am of Santa Maria, Filipino Seniors of Santa Maria Valley, the Filipino American National Historical Society of Central Coast Chapter, and the Central Coast Filipino Coalition.