Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City - Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff LtGen Bartolome Vicente O Bacarro led the Thanks-giving mass and Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Lapu-Lapu Grandstand, Camp Aguinaldo on Friday, December 2.
The military camps nationwide simultaneously lit up their Christmas trees on Friday, an event meant to inspire joy and hope, and awaken the spirit of nationalism and love of service in all soldiers.
"As we officially mark the celebration of the yuletide season by lighting up the big Christmas tree in the respective AFP camps. This gives me an immense sense of pride and gratitude to be able to observe this season of giving and receiving love with the whole AFP family," Bacarro said.
"I know that the warm and positive atmosphere that comes with this season is a welcomed feeling for everyone," he said.
The Chief of Staff said, "it is the season to be jolly, a time for merriment in anticipation of the birth of our savior."
He added that simultaneous lighting has become an annual tradition for the AFP as "this allows us to connect with our fellow soldiers throughout the archipelago, even with those who are assigned in the most remote areas and detachments".
"This time also gives us the rare opportunity to pause for the moment and join one another in spirit to bask at the beginning of this glorious season," he further said.
As the AFP lighted the Christmas tree at the general headquarters along with the symbols of the yuletide season adorning the military camps in the country, the Chief of Staff reminded soldiers that "in our life these lights mean a committed public service".
"May these lights' cheerful glow inspire each of us to hope and rejoice amidst numerous tribulations and remind us of the wonderful things born from the camaraderie we have formed while we carry out our gallant service away from our homes," he said.
He added that "switching of decorative lights this evening is also a time to remember the people for whom it is being lit".
"May this brightness also reflect our spirit of love and loyalty to our country and be our guide as we fulfill our duties of securing the people and the state. May the glimmer that we see, always bring us hope and positivity that everything will work out as it should. May each and every one of you never lose your radiant dedication to a life for God, country, and people and still carry a little ray of light for others," the LtGen Bacarro said.
The AFP Chief of Staff also thanked God for the good health and safety of everyone, especially the families of AFP personnel, even as he hoped for better and more prosperous days ahead.
" As your chief of staff, I encourage everyone to count the many blessings and triumphs this year, and to give thanks to the Lord Almighty for sustaining our organization as we continue to stand tall amidst the numerous adversities and trials we experienced," he said.
" With that, I wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year! Mabuhay ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas! Maraming salamat po," he said as he ended his message.
The ceremony was attended by personnel at the General Headquarters while major services, unified commands, and other AFP units joined via video teleconference.
(Photo: PAOAFP)
