Philippine Veterans Week observance underway from April 5 to 11

As the nation formally started observing the annual Philippine Veterans Week on Sunday (April 5), the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) joined in honoring the heroism and patriotism of Filipino veterans past and present.

The week-long observance of the 73rd Araw ng Kagitingan and the Philippine Veterans Week from April 5 to 11 is an occasion to honor the Filipino War Veterans who died or served the country and today’s Filipino soldiers for their dedication to duty and country.

Early Sunday, Army commander Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri led the Sunrise Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City signaling the commencement of the Philippine Veterans Week.

This was followed by the wreath-laying ceremony and floral offering with DND Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin as the guest of honor and speaker.

Senior military officers, other members of the military, Philippine National Police, World War II veteran and postwar veteran leaders, members of the sons and daughters of the Veteran Federation of the Philippines, representatives from the youth sectors, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Taguig City local government unit, representatives from the different government agencies and non-government organizations were present during the activity.

Meanwhile, a brigade-size parading contingent, composed of personnel from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy (Fleet and Marines) and Philippine Air Force, tendered a Testimonial Review in honor of the Veterans at the Hunters ROTC Guerrilla Parade Ground with Rep. Leopoldo N. Bataoil of the 2nd District of Pangasinan as the guest speaker.

The veterans and their widows, military personnel, guests and visitors gathered at the HPA Grandstand for the review.

The celebration of the Araw ng Kagitingan and the Philippine Veterans Week is pursuant to Executive Order 203, designating April 9 as Araw ng Kagitingan, and Presidential Proclamation No. 466 declaring April 5-11 as the Philippine Veterans Week.

The celebration, led by the Steering Committee on National Observances and its inter-agency Technical Working Committee (TWC), aims to promote, preserve and memorialize the principles, ideals and heroic deeds of the Filipino veterans as a means to enhance patriotism and love for country, especially among the youth of the land. (PNA)