CAPAS, Tarlac -- “To our youth, be patriotic,” said Engineer Darwin Campo, curator of the Capas National Shrine, during the celebration of the National Heroes Day Monday, August 26.
During a ceremonial flag raising Monday, Campo told the students of Capas High School and Cristo Rey High School that President Manuel Roxas himself on November 30, 1946 recognized World War II heroes who fought for the Philippine independence.
“These men were the flowers of our youth. They typified the courage and loyalty of our race. We can never forget them. We will never forget them. Their heroic sacrifice set a measure of fidelity to our flag and our institutions for this and future generations,” Campo quoted President Roxas as saying.
During the event, the students and other guests offered prayers for the fallen soldiers at the Obelisk, according to Campo. “Para sa Beterano, Para Sa Bayan.”
“We owe the independence that we are currently enjoying to our heroes. Philippine sovereignty would not be possible without them,” Campo said.
Filipinos celebrate the National Heroes’ Day every fourth Monday of August.
President Duterte has called on everyone “to reflect on our history and honor the brave souls who courageously fought for our freedom.”
The Capas National Shrine, situated in Barangay Aranguren, was created to commemorate and reminisce the infamous Death March of the Filipino and American soldiers imprisoned by the Japanese Occupation Forces of WWII.