By Jennifer P. Rendon
In celebrating the country’s 126th Independence Day, the leadership of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division asked its troops to renew their pledge and commitment to protect the country.
All 3rd ID units joined the entire nation in the celebration through a simultaneous flag-raising ceremony, with Major General Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander, leading the rites at the division headquarters at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.
“Today, as we wave our flag high and sing our national anthem with pride, let us renew our pledge to protect and defend our beloved country. Let us help build a nation where every individual, regardless of background, can live with dignity and hope,” Sison said.
The 3rd ID commander urged the Spearhead Troopers to reminisce the countless sacrifices and the unyielding spirit of the forefathers who fought bravely for the nation’s freedom.
“We salute and remember their heroic deeds, their courage to defy the odds despite inferiority, and face the challenge of time to ensure a peaceful environment livable for future generations. It is a day to honor our past, celebrate our present, and envision a future where liberty and justice prevail for all,” Sison said.
Equally important is to honor the 3ID troops who died defending the people and protecting the peace in Western and Central Visayas.
“They embarked upon a life in the military knowing fully well that one day, they might lay down their lives and pay the ultimate sacrifice in the call of duty,” he said.
Sison said the fallen soldiers served and sacrificed their lives for a purpose far beyond and greater than themselves, making them modern-day heroes.
“Their stories shall serve as our inspiration and motivation to perform our mandates with sincerity, honesty, and devotion to genuine public service,” he said.
This year’s Independence Day adopted the theme: “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan.”
