The entire Filipino nation remembers the unmatched heroism of Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. who gave us his life. He came from the United States not as an enemy of the Marcos dictatorship but to seek peaceful solution in freeing the Filipinos from the shackles of a brutal regime. He was not able to step on the Philippine soil alive. He was gunned down despite the presence of hundreds of security personnel at the Manila International Airport.
Ninoy was blessed to have come from a well to do family. When he was locked up after the declaration of Martial Law, he could have just hanged up his political gloves, enjoyed his family and the blessings of his material wealth.
He did not. He continued to fight an iron-fisted regime determined to do anything to remain in power and continue its atrocities against its people.
When he remained in the States after his heart by-pass operation, he could have easily sought political asylum there.
He refused. He was determined to come home whatever the cost to spearhead the emancipation of Filipinos from an unwanted regime.
He came back. He was murdered.
Ninoy triumphed in death for it was the birth of the soon famous Filipino People’s Power Revolution that sent the dictator away in haste. (When Mr. Marcos left, they found hot food on the table.)
Ninoy said in Los Angeles, “Believe me Mr. President; I will dedicate the last drop of my blood in fighting your dictatorship!”
True, he did.
Heroes are not born. They are made and carved out from one’s deep love of his homeland and people.
The Philippines is forever grateful and indebted for Ninoy’s heroism. We cannot ask for more from him and from his wife Cory who restored our cherished democracy and freedom. It is for us now to take care the freedom and democracy restored out from blood, sweat and tears.
This is my small way of saying “Maraming salamat Ninoy at Cory.” (Thank you very much Ninoy and Cory.) May we learn from both of you the meaning of patriotism and may we have the courage to love the Philippines as you did no matter how insignificant or low our contributions could be.-30-
Ninoy was blessed to have come from a well to do family. When he was locked up after the declaration of Martial Law, he could have just hanged up his political gloves, enjoyed his family and the blessings of his material wealth.
He did not. He continued to fight an iron-fisted regime determined to do anything to remain in power and continue its atrocities against its people.
When he remained in the States after his heart by-pass operation, he could have easily sought political asylum there.
He refused. He was determined to come home whatever the cost to spearhead the emancipation of Filipinos from an unwanted regime.
He came back. He was murdered.
Ninoy triumphed in death for it was the birth of the soon famous Filipino People’s Power Revolution that sent the dictator away in haste. (When Mr. Marcos left, they found hot food on the table.)
Ninoy said in Los Angeles, “Believe me Mr. President; I will dedicate the last drop of my blood in fighting your dictatorship!”
True, he did.
Heroes are not born. They are made and carved out from one’s deep love of his homeland and people.
The Philippines is forever grateful and indebted for Ninoy’s heroism. We cannot ask for more from him and from his wife Cory who restored our cherished democracy and freedom. It is for us now to take care the freedom and democracy restored out from blood, sweat and tears.
This is my small way of saying “Maraming salamat Ninoy at Cory.” (Thank you very much Ninoy and Cory.) May we learn from both of you the meaning of patriotism and may we have the courage to love the Philippines as you did no matter how insignificant or low our contributions could be.-30-
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