Army honors the country's Heroes of then and now
The Philippine Army is one with the entire nation as it celebrates
National Heroes Day on August 30 in honor of all Filipinos, including
those whose names have been lost to history, from pre-Spanish time to
the present, who suffered martyrdom in defense of the country against
foreign invaders or in the attainment of freedom and democracy for the
countrymen.
For this year's celebration, dubbed as "Pagpugay ng Sundalo sa
Makabagong Bayaning Pilipino", the Philippine Army selected youth from
different sectors of the society as the honorees. The activity aims to
educate and to instill to the present generation and the future heroes
of the Filipinos, the youth, the sense of nationalism and patriotism.
Simple but meaningful commemorative activities are lined-up for the day,
to be highlighted by wreath-laying rites to be held at the Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Fort Andres Boniface,
Metro Manila. This signifies that though the Filipinos do not know the
names and history of the soldiers who died fighting in the battlefield,
the citizens shall forever be grateful for their heroism and patriotism.
This will be followed by a tour of the participants inside the Army camp
such as the Philippine Army Museum, the Fort Andres Bonifacio Endangered
Indigenous Tree Sanctuary (FABEITS) and the Memorial Statue of GAT
Andres Bonifacio. Participants will also have an opportunity to witness
the static and kinetic display from the Army's Scout Ranger and Special
Forces and K-9 units. They will also be entertained by a Silent Drill
presentation from an all female Philippine Army soldier. Likewise, the
Army's Disaster Rescue Relief and Rehabilitation Operations (DRRO) Group
will demonstrate their capabilities on the call of disaster.
Following the tour will be the closing ceremony with the Secretary of
the National Defense, Hon Voltaire T Gazmin, as the Guest of Honor and
Speaker. Secretary Gazmin will lead the awarding of one unit house as
part of the Build-a-House Project of the Center for International
Education to be followed by a manifesto signing by all participants.
The country's celebration of National Heroes Day was established on
October 28, 1931 through Act No. 3827 by the Philippine Legislature,
which the celebration of the event was done every last Sunday of August.
Today, the National Government under Benigno S Aquino III has declared
August 30 as a National Holiday in observance of the National Heroes
Day.
At present, we remember these heroes of our nation, men and women who
lived and died for our freedom and independence, and also men and women
who work for peace, unity, integrity and truth.
The Philippine Army commemorates the National Heroes Day with the hope
that our heroes sacrifices will keep the flame of nationalism alive not
just in every soldier but in all citizens, especially the youth, as
well.
As Andres Bonifacio wrote: "Ang mga bayang nilitawan ng mga bayani ay
walang kamatayan (A country where heroes emerge is immortal)." #
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