Archive for November 2012

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Moments of Bayanihan | The Unknown Soldier

Libingan ng mga Bayani
- The Unknown Soldier - 

 "Here Lies a Filipino Soldier Whose Name is Only Known to God."

Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes Cemetery) in Taguig City, Philippines is where I spent my night for the Undas (Halloween). It just feels right that I wanted to share a piece of my experience and feature the story in this blog. This was my first time being here with a bag full of questions to fill a curious mind. 

 It is probably the best time to visit the area, after all, this is the Halloween and the cemetery is open for twenty-four hours from November 1-2, 2012. I spent two days and a night just taking photos of our heroes. 

 Libingan ng mga BayaniWhile roaming around the evening, it felt like romance having to see elderly people lighting up candles. Children were also there listening stories of valor. But what actually caught my heart is the tomb called the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" situated in the center of the cemetery. 
This was specifically established in memory of those soldiers whose names have not been known after their death mainly because their bodies are no longer in the shape of recognition. 

 When I was munching every moment and pondering the beauty of their sacrifice. One stranger stood beside me and openly shared his heart. He said, "How great can this be? A soldier whose name is unknown to all of us but he has full of my respect." I felt it. And from that moment, it somehow feels good to be reminded of what Bayani (Hero) truly calls for!

One or many has to know that we Filipinos owe our freedom from these men who did the ultimate sacrifice of accepting death for the love of his country. How can the nameless be full of respect? Because he is a hero. 

 I took my last photo (first photo above) under the shimmering stars at 0300H. I just felt that these stars were there for a reason... It felt like I am glancing through every legacy and sacrifice of the soldiers who were not named. 

 Oh! Only God knows, but whoever you are... I thank you Sir Soldier Sir!
In lieu with the season of remembering our soldiers, I am dedicating this post to my grandfathers and their siblings who dedicated their service before I was born. I did not know very much about your lives and the things you've done to free this country. But this fact constantly give me that amazement that loving this great nation is part of my blood. 

Happy Undas everyone! 

And I'm proud to be an Filipino, 
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died, 
who gave that right to me.”
~ excerpts from Lee Greenwood, edited.

© iamreservist

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Buhay Kawal: Psalm 91


- Psalm 91 - 

 A junior soldier was asked to pray for his comrades without hesitation. He prayed in bisaya while following through a verse from Psalm 91.

In some units of the Philippine Army, the troops are required to memorize in their full heart the contents of Psalm 91. This verse is not a pattern of prayer, but to them, it is a reminder of God's splendor and promise. It was even termed as the soldier's prayer. 

During World War I, the 91st Brigade of the U.S. Army prayed Psalm 91 together every day. Although they were engaged in three of the bloodiest battles in the war, these soldiers had no combat-related casualties. Psalm 91:1-16 (The Message) shows this promise. It also comforts our Filipino - Christian soldiers in the field; whether in operation or standby.

Buhay Kawal (Life of a Soldier) is not an a usual walk-in-the-park career. Rather lives are dedicated to serve the Filipinos with all bravery and courage. Their courage is knowing that fear is still existent in their lives but pressing on for the orders and the calling. 

All along they do this, to provide for their families whom they ever wish to come home safe. Psalms 91 comforts them from the fear of the unexpected events. Hence, yielding them courage to become better soldiers.  

This blog post is dedicated to the four marines who sacrificed their life last Sunday October 28, 2012 at Patikul, Sulu. iamreservist pays respect and condolence to the families. I pray for comfort for each and every individual facing the situation. All taps to... 
SGT RICARDO S NACARIO 834788 PN (M) 
CPL DEXTER JOHN G BATERINA 868829 PN (M)
PFC ALLAN B BERCILLA 897644 PN (M)
PFC GLEN C GAPASIN 899933 PN (M)

 © iamreservist