President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. encouraged Filipinos to acknowledge the significance of the country’s history and pass it on to the new generation to instill patriotism and preserve national identity.
“Let us acknowledge the significance of history and pass it on to our young Filipinos so we can nurture in our children the love of country. For it is only in that patriotism that we can preserve our national identity,” President Marcos said during the commemoration of National Heroes Day 2024 at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
“Let us pay homage to our past so that we can be worthy of the freedom that our ancestors fought for and of the Bagong Pilipinas that we can proudly leave to succeeding generations. With this vision ingrained in our endeavors, we can build a nation where the dreams of our heroes are realized in every home, in every community, in every single Filipino heart,” he said.
As the country dedicates Monday’s commemoration to the heroes of the past, the President urged Filipinos not to lose sight of confronting present challenges and to carry on the great legacy of their brave ancestors with enlightened minds, strength of compassion and generosity, and courage of their convictions.
In the spirit of shared responsibility, the President called on every Filipino to be heroes in their own right by upholding the principles of democracy, abiding by the rule of law, and defending the nation’s sovereignty.
The President also acknowledged modern-day heroes such as soldiers, healthcare workers, overseas Filipinos, ordinary laborers, educators, journalists, farmers, fisherfolk, and Filipino athletes.
President Marcos led the wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, accompanied by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other government officials.
This year’s commemoration has for its theme: Kabayanihan ng Pilipino sa Panahon ng Pagbabago (Heroism of Filipinos in the Time of Change). PND – AL
