CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) held a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on Friday, December 16, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani in Taguig City and at major AFP camps nationwide.
LtGen Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, AFP Chief of Staff, led the ceremony in Libingan ng Mga Bayani as part of the activities in line with the 87th AFP Anniversary on December 21.
At the General Headquarters, the ceremony was headed by the Vice Chief of Staff, AFP, MGen Arthur Cordura.
In his speech, the AFP Chief of Staff recalled the stories of every AFP soldier's struggle and triumph. He cited past wars and major battles, including the Zamboanga siege and the battle for Marawi, where Filipino soldiers proved their bravery.
"This annual wreath-laying demonstrates our commitment to honoring the departed troops' dedication, perseverance, and valuable services," said LtGen Bacarro.
"Let us render our snappiest salute to our heroes for their unrivaled sacrifices for the country. They have given us the gift of peace and freedom borne out of their sacrifices; may we never forget the names and deeds of our heroes, whom we honor today," the CSAFP added.
(Photos by Sgt Ambay and Sgt Manzano/PAO, AFP, and Sgt Dela Cruz/GHQ and HSC)
