Filipino honored 5 years after heroic death

WRIGHTWOOD, California - Residents of the small scenic ski resort town of Wrightwood were in tears during Christmas weekend, as they honored a Filipino for his heroic act which happened five years ago.
The Claridad family was celebrating Christmas day at Jackson Lake in 2007, when two children, whom the Claridads did not know, fell into the frozen lake.
Forty-one-year old U.S. Army veteran and father of four, Claro Claridad successfully pulled the two children to safety. His heroic act also led to his drowning death. “I was very honored and happy, it’s amazing that after 5 years, people still remember his story,” said wife Judith.
Local officials presented the family with a memorial bench which will be placed off the highway where a nature trail leading to the lake begins.
“Today I would say it’s like a happy ending that I know, when my husband saved those children, he knew from his heart, those kids were worth saving for,” added Judith.
The family has moved forward in honoring their late father. The city of Victorville, where the family lives, has held memorials for them.
The incident has also inspired local officials to do specialized ice rescue training. There has also been a push to build a monument at the lake.
The four daughters, all girl scouts, have since written a book about their father; “Meet Our Daddy Our Hero”.
Until now, the two strangers that Claro saved have never been identified.