By Francis T. Wakefield
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana yesterday urged Filipinos to continue celebrating and commemorating the valor and gallantry of Filipino veterans who fought and risked their lives to help liberate the country from Japanese invaders in World War II.
“Let us perpetuate the memory of their deeds to be emulated by future generations of Filipinos. Let us honor those who are still with us for pretty soon they will all be gone,” Lorenzana said on Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines remembered the soldiers who valiantly defended the country from foreign occupation in the last world war.
“We remember the sacrifices of our veterans, their bravery, and their selfless dedication to the country’s defense.
Through their gallantry, we were able to show the determination of Filipinos to stand against overwhelming odds,” the AFP said.
“We also salute our current crop of Filipino soldiers whose courage and selfless service have been proven in recent events against terrorists and violent exremists,” it added.
The AFP said the deeds of heroism and ideals of Filipino world war veterans will always be inculcated in the minds of current soldiers who exhibit in their own actions the same fervor and willingness to defend the country and its people.
Lorenzana highlighted the programs that aim to promote the welfare of war veterans and their dependents as he led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City as part of the celebration of 2018 Philippine Veterans Week.
