Published February 20, 2021, 12:24 AM James Leonard Tagle Gordon On February 20 this year, Olongapo celebrates the 54th death anniversary of its founding father, the man who championed freedom and justice, and who persevered until his untimely death to pursue his dream and his vision. As the city faces political, social, and economic challenges today, the memory of James Leonard Tagle Gordon and how he courageously fought injustices and strived for the improvement of the welfare of the people and the city he loved lingers on. On July 4, 1946, when the Philippines became an independent nation, what was notably peculiar was Olongapo, with its 9,000 or so residents, remained a military reservation and under the control and administration of the United States Navy. This rather odd thing in itself remained for the next 12 years that followed and was the political backdrop that saw the emergence of a courageous warrior and an esteemed leader in this part of the archipelago.