CAMP SERVILLANO AQUINO — Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) observed this year’s National Heroes Day with activities meant to honor the bravery, sacrifice, and love for country of fallen heroes.
“As we gather here at Camp Aquino Memorial Park, we pay tribute and give recognition to every soldier who fought gallantly in the name of bringing peace and progress that we freely enjoy particularly in Northern Luzon,” NOLCOM Commander Lt.Gen. Emmanuel Salamat said.
Activities included wreath laying, ceremonial tree planting, and launching of the NOLCOM Heroes Foundation.
Salamat emphasized that this intends to instill one exceptional trait that fallen heroes have shared and that is selflessness.
“We must possess a willing spirit to put the needs of others before our own just like what our heroes have rendered and sacrificed for us,” he said.
Salamat stressed that the word bayani has bayanin it, which means that anyone who willingly gives himself/herself in service of the nation is already a hero.
“Each one of you is a hero for choosing to serve and contribute for the betterment of our country in one way or another,” he said.
Present during the occasion were Pangasinan 2ndDistrict Representative and House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Welfare Chairperson Leopoldo Bataoil, and Defense Undersecretary Ricardo David Jr.