‘Honor our Filipino veterans’
Thus, said Department of National Defense (DND) Officer-in-Charge and Senior Undersecretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. as the nation commemorates the 81st Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on April 9, 2023 and 2023 Philippine Veterans Week from 5 to 12 April 2023.
Galvez urged DND employees and all Filipinos, particularly the youth, to honor Filipino veterans who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Said Galvez during the DND flag raising rites recently: “Let us take this opportunity to pay tribute to our nation’s patriots and freedom fighters, honor our present-day defenders, and prepare the youth for the two-fold task of securing our nation and ensuring its bright future.”
Highlighting the theme of this year’s Veterans Week, “Kagitingan ng mga Beterano, Pundasyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino,” Galvez reminded the members of the One Defense Team to actively participate in the series of commemorative and special events spearheaded by the DND and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, to memorialize the valor and heroic deeds of Filipino veterans.
“As the designated Chairperson of the Technical Working Committee for the observance of the Philippine Veterans Week, I humbly request everyone for your strong support to make the commemoration meaningful through your active participation onsite, online, or by actively liking, commenting, and sharing relevant posts via social media,” Galvez said.
“Hinihiling ko rin po sa inyo, lalo na sa mga magulang, na ituro sa ating mga anak at mga kabataan ang tapat na pagmamahal sa bayan at ang mga katangi-tanging aral ng ating kasaysayan upang lumalim lalo ang kanilang pagpapahalaga sa ating mga beterano at kasundaluhan,” said Galvez.
Galvez also reaffirmed his unwavering support for those who practice the Christian faith, particularly the Catholics, in their meaningful observance of Holy Week 2023, which coincides with the celebration of Philippine Veterans Week.
“During the Lenten break, may we empathize with the suffering of our fellow men and find profound meaning in the death of Jesus Christ. It is my fervent hope that all these will help foster social healing, reconciliation, and national unity for nation-building – these are what our veterans lived and died for, especially during that fateful Good Friday when they conquered the infamous Bataan death march. Our veterans did what they needed to do for the country, for the younger generations, and for everyone – including us,” said Galvez.
“Let us remember and pray for our beloved veterans, our soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines, and their families. let us continue to support and honor their legacy at all times,” said Galvez.