By Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is honoring its fallen soldiers with a badge called Red Rose Pin that will be introduced during its 82nd founding anniversary celebration on Dec. 20.
AFP spokesperson Marine Col. Edgard Arevalo said during the Task Force Bangon Marawi press briefing yesterday that this will be the first time the AFP will introduce the badge to honor troops who died during military operations.
“Ito po ay isang badge na gagamitin po o ipakikilala sa araw na iyon kung saan ito po ay isusuot ng lahat ng mga kaanak ng mga namatay na sundalo, at ganoon din po ang mga sibilyan na gustong ipakita ang kanilang pagkilala sa ating mga namatay na sundalo,” Arevalo said.
“Ang naisin po ng pin na ito ay sa tuwi-tuwina ay ipaalala sa ating mga kababayan, sa mga kaanak ng namatay na mga bayaning ito, ang naging sakripisyo at pag-aalay ng buhay ng ating mga kawal para sa bayan,” he added.
Arevalo said the first set of Red Rose pins will be distributed during the 82nd anniversary celebration of the AFP on Wednesday to relatives of fallen soldiers.
“Ine-expect po natin na ‘yung ating mga bisita na kaanak ng mga tatanggap ng parangal na namatay sa mga labanan ay sila ang unang-unang magsusuot nito,” he said.
“Hindi lang ‘yan para sa Dec. 20, kundi every time na meron po tayong pagtitipon,” Arevalo said.
The theme for this year’s AFP anniversary celebration with President Duterte as guest of honor is “Protecting the People, Securing the State.”
The Red Rose Pin represents a single partially bloomed wild rose with its stem wrapped inside a bunting ribbon with the colors of the Philippine flag.
The sun and two stars are in front of the ribbon and the words “Lest We Forget” is on the bottom of the badge.
According to the AFP, the partially bloomed wild rose is endemic to the Philippines like the soldiers who came from all over the country.
“The rose is partially bloomed to symbolize the soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice ahead of his time,” the AFP’s description on the badge said.
The color red symbolizes the blood and sacrifices of the troops while the green leaves represent the undying hope of the entire Filipino people who are longing for lasting peace.
The thorns signify the challenges that the bereaved families of the fallen troops need to overcome.
The Philippine flag-colored bunting ribbon, with the sun and the stars, wrapped around the stalk symbolizes the nation’s support to the troops.
The phrase “Lest we Forget” printed in bold letters articulates the sympathy of the bearer not to forget the fallen heroes.