Heroes Come and Go - The Battle Is Now Ours

National Heroes Day is celebrated on the last Monday of August. It is actually a commemoration of the Cry of Pugad Lawin wherein Andres Bonifacio, head of the Katipunan, an underground revolutionary movement, challenged his subordinates to start an armed revolution against Spain by tearing their cedulas (tax and identification certificate) as a token of rebellion.

I cannot help but turn emotional imagining the events at that time. It was the epitome of centuries of subjugation, oppression, brutality and pillaging of our natural resources. For the Katipuneros, (members of Katipunan) it was a now-or-never situation. They knew the consequences such as heavy casualty on their side and the uncertain future of the revolutionary movement or even a humiliating defeat. Imbued with a deep sense of patriotism, they never looked back and went to the battlefield.

The Spaniards were superior in arms compared with the Filipinos’ ancient weapons of spears and bolos. Yet, Filipinos were determined to fight and end centuries of colonial rule as their golden gift to future generations. They gave their lives and bequeathed us the liberty they failed to enjoy. Sadly, we today have the boyish attitude to take for granted the hardship and sacrifice our ancestors endured and gave when we are more allured to do wrong than good for the welfare of this country and its citizens.

We remember the big names from our history books those who opted to fight instead of remaining nonchalant. These are the men and women during the Spanish regime, Japanese and American Occupations and yes, the gallant and courageous Filipinos who did the impossible-sounding job of dismantling a fascist dictatorship that swept the land. Included here were the intellectuals and student leaders who were never seen again. If seen alive or dead, they were barely recognized even by their loved ones as a result of sadistic torture. Desecrated bodies bore signs of Nazi-style execution and torment --- slow and painful death. For the lucky ones they are happy to be around although some are physically or mentally incapacitated --- a painful remembrance of the brutality of the dictatorship.

We remember all those who did their share, no matter how pivotal or humble including the nameless and faceless Filipinos for the winning of the freedom and liberty we today enjoy.

With deep regrets, the fragility of these institutions remains constant. The Sword of Damocles is always out from its scabbard threatening the hard-earned freedom, democracy and liberty we enjoy because of selfishness and personal interests. We blame ourselves for this because of our habitual indifference in choosing to elect leaders whom we can “enslave” to care for our needs and help us get closer to the universal aspiration of prosperity and peace.

Once more, in less than 10 months, we are given a chance to select our leaders. Good luck to us and good luck to the candidates but we must remember the saying of a sage:

“Freedom is not free. It must be worked for. Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.”

Heroes and heroines come and go. Now is the time for us to carry the torch of bravery and patriotism they carried and be ready to hand down the same responsibility to the younger generation when our time is up.

For the heroes and heroines who gave their lives, rest in peace and continue to pray for our country. For those who are alive, we have still a lot of work to do. The battle is now ours and so with victory! Above all, “Maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat.” (Thank you very very much.)-30-