President Benigno Aquino III led the commemoration of National Heroes Day on Sunday, August 29 at the Heroes Cemetery. The President offered a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Monument, and delivered his speech after the wreath laying ceremony. In his speech during the ceremonies, President Aquino says: “There are numerous ways of being a hero today, and we can become one without wielding a gun or a spear. Blood need not be spilled. We are no longer colonized by Spain or Japan, and Martial Law is over. Our current time calls for our cooperation and selfless service to our fellowmen without expecting anything in return. In fact, becoming a good and responsible citizen is heroic enough.” “For the sake of our posterity, I encourage you to spread the true meaning of heroism: to find the strength to remain vigilant, to serve as watchdogs of our government, to allot time to helping the poor, and to strengthen our collective sense of the richness of our unique Filipino culture. This is heroism through bayanihan.” “Let us emulate the courage of our heroes. There is no greater commemoration of their lives than for us to commit to caring for, and treasuring, the liberty they fought for. As we pay tribute to them, let their story guide our hearts and minds towards constantly protecting and preserving our freedom. Let us ensure that the democracy they have watered with their blood will forever bloom, so we can bequeath a bountiful future to coming generations.” His final message in his speech was - “Let us all help each other: the strength of one, becomes the strength of everyone. Now that democracy is our birthright, may we further deepen the spirit of patriotism in each of us.” Full text of english translation of President Aquino’s speech can be found in: http://www.gov.ph/2010/08/29/national-heroes-day-speech-of-president-aquino-august-29-2010-english-translation/
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