James Leonard Tagle Gordon Day 2024 is a national holiday in the Philippines honoring Tagle Gordon, the first mayor of Olongapo City from 1963-1967. Born in 1917, Tagle chose to remain in the Philippines and raise his family as Filipino citizens.
(Credit: National Today)
James Leonard Tagle Gordon Day 2024: Celebrated on January 17, James Leonard Tagle Gordon Day is a national holiday in the Philippines honoring James Leonard Tagle Gordon, the nation’s first mayor, who led Olongapo City from December 30, 1963, until February 20, 1967. On January 17, 1917, Veronica Tagle y Bella, a Filipina, and John Jacob Gordon, an American Marine, welcomed him into the world. Even though his four brothers became citizens of the United States and lived there, he made the decision to stay in the Philippines and raise his family as Filipino citizens. His son is Richard Gordon, the former mayor of Olongapo.
On January 17, 1917, James Leonard Tagle Gordon was born to a Filipino mother and an American Marine father. He kept on his humanitarian and civil sector activity in the Philippines. He formed a close-knit sense of family and, with the support of his friends, established the still-existing Boys Town-Girls Home. Until her passing in 2009, Gordon’s widow, Amelia J. Gordon, continued her husband’s humanitarian legacy by rearing children from severely low-income families.
Later on, Gordon became the mayor of Olongapo, which was partially shrouded in haze at the time. Even after the rest of the Philippines obtained independence from the United States on July 4, 1946, Olongapo continued to be under American rule. Shortly after the Treaty of Paris was signed by the United States and Spain, the region was declared a U.S. Naval Reservation. Navy officer, meaning that instead of a Filipino mayor, Olongapo was now ruled by an American military official.
This law forbade residents from holding property because the U.S. Navy may seize it at any moment. They also had to carry identity cards issued by the reservation office at all times. Relatives from outside the area could only come for short visits, as the reservation was only open to families with employees. If they wanted to stay longer, they had to renew their passes. In response to the regulations, residents were enraged, and their anger escalated when bus passengers were forced to dismount. Olongapo was eventually returned to the Philippines.
On February 20, 1967, National Penitentiary escapee Nonito Alincastre shot and killed Gordon as he was speaking with a constituent on the first floor of the city hall.Celebrated on January 17, James Leonard Tagle Gordon Day is a national holiday in the Philippines honoring James Leonard Tagle Gordon, the nation’s first mayor, who led Olongapo City from December 30, 1963, until February 20, 1967. On January 17, 1917, Veronica Tagle y Bella, a Filipina, and John Jacob Gordon, an American Marine, welcomed him into the world. Even though his four brothers became citizens of the United States and lived there, he made the decision to stay in the Philippines and raise his family as Filipino citizens. His son is Richard Gordon, the former mayor of Olongapo.
It’s best to read up about Gordon in order to understand the holiday’s purpose. Studying history enables us to see and comprehend the behaviors of individuals and communities.
You can physically visit the Boys Town Girls Home in the Philippines or donate money to help them continue their important job. Giving to charitable causes may be very fulfilling for you as well as for the charities themselves.
Visit Olongapo City for a little while, and perhaps you will discover more about Gordon. You can explore the many shopping centers, beaches, and other tourist attractions in Olongapo, which is one of the most tranquil places to travel. There are lots of places to relax in the city.
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We adore that Gordon dedicated his life to serving people. Serving humanity gives the oppressed and dejected life and hope.
Gordon was a national hero when he passed away due of his accomplishments and loyalty to Olongapo. National heroes usually embody the ideas of the nation as a whole, helping the people to feel like themselves. National heroes are a living example of what citizens of their country ought to aspire to be.
In the Philippines, James Leonard Tagle Gordon Day is a public holiday with significant cultural and federal value. We get to enjoy a day with our loved ones and friends.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | January 17 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | January 17 | Friday |
| 2026 | January 17 | Saturday |
| 2027 | January 17 | Sunday |
| 2028 | January 17 | Monday |
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