Last April 12, 2024, as part of the commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan, a ceremony was held at Baguio City’s Veterans Park with the theme: “Pagpaparangal sa Kagitingan ng mga Beterano: Saligan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino”. Attended by veterans and government officials, it served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers in ensuring peace in the country.
The program began with a wreath-laying ceremony conducted by cadets from the Philippine Military Academy. The anthems of both the Philippines and the United States were then played as the flags of both countries were flown at half-mast by the Boy Scouts and military veterans. A three-volley salute culminated the solemn ceremony as a tribute to soldiers and lives lost in wars that involved the Philippines.
After the invocation, Mayor Benjamin Magalong gave the opening remarks. He gave tribute to veterans gathered and reminded the audience to remember them and their sacrifices, stating “Huwag nating kalimutan ang mga aral na kanilang iniwan sa atin (Let us not forget the lessons that they [the veterans] had left us)”. Army Lieutenant General Rowen S. Tolentino, the superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy, gave the keynote speech imparting to the audience the importance of the occasion as a tribute to veterans. “Ang pagtitipong ito ay nagpapakita na tayong lahat ay nagnanais na mamuhay nang malaya at payapa (This gathering shows that all of us desire to live freely and peacefully)”, he emphasized.
Military veterans present at the ceremony commented on the importance of the commemoration of the Day of Valor and on the remembrance of former soldiers. “We want to share and pass on our ideals to the younger generation”, remarked Justiniano dela Rosa, a former lieutenant and the president of the AFP Retiree Foundation. Mariano Camingawan, a former sergeant and the district president of the Baguio City Post War Veterans, further stated “We remember the past and celebrate the bravery of our heroes, since they are the ones that benefit the most from it.” | Xyrhille Mhark Abapo
