Independence Day??

          Millions of Filipinos across the country and in other parts of the world celebrated the 113th Philippine Independence Day yesterday with colorful parades beautiful speeches and presentations reflective of the meaningful freedom of the Filipinos.

The Philippines was under the Spaniards for three centuries and a United States colony for nearly four decades .Today the Filipinos has opened a new chapter in the Philippine history, where each can reap the fruits of his labor, where laws are imposed on rich and poor alike, where everyone can carve his own destiny, where one can have freedom with honor. This is now a free Philippines. Filipinos are free. This is according to President Benigno Aquino in his speech in yesterday’s celebration.

The celebration of Independence Day is always memorable. This is the day on which all Filipinos must reflect on the past, to think of their heroes and heroines who brought freedom, those whose sacrificed for us and made us dignified individuals. Our heroes remind us that this country is worth dying for and its future depends on us. What we are now is what our heroes died for.

Are we Filipinos living up to the expectations of our forgotten heroes? Are we living in a free country and think of the future of the Filipino children? Are we truly independent from the bondage of poverty, ignorance and colonialism? If we are honest to ourselves and realistic about the situation of this country we can not declare that we are independent people. We are still struggling to become a country free from poverty, ignorance and colonialism.

The Filipinos should keep in mind that there are many challenges which this country is confronted, however if we commit ourselves to do what is best for our people and work together to help develop this country then we can truly claim that we are independent people.

We will not also forget to honor our living heroes who continue to bring dignity to this country. These heroes are our parents and fellowmen who sacrifice abroad to give better future to their families here. Their financial support frees their families from the bondage of poverty and ignorance. They realize the dreams of their children.  But why is it that one can only be considered a hero after one dies? Why not honor the living heroes like the teachers, overseas contract workers and many others who, in their own little way, made small things great?They are our heroes too, according to Senator Chiz Escudero.

Every year the Independence day celebration is remembered with sentiments and heroism. I hope Filipinos will never forget that unless there is unity in us we will never experience the true meaning of independence no matter how grand we celebrate this occasion every year.