MOST young people perceive the celebration of National Heroes Day as a break from school and an opportunity for leisure activities.
Many do not even know the significance of the occasion, though they will give salutations on social media just for the sake of it. It’s sad to think that our generation does not really recognize the heroic sacrifice of our forefathers.
We can name at least a dozen of our national heroes and their contributions to Philippine independence. But a typical teenager may have difficulty in fully understanding the idea of a national hero whose acts and principles live on to this day.
Symbols
It seems that no words are enough to fully capture the meaning of “hero.” It can be interpreted as greatness, nobility, or courage. Since Spanish rule there have been numerous great Filipinos who symbolized it, but today there are young people who may offer glimpses of future national heroes.
The Rizals of this generation write about ideas which broaden the perspective of their peers on social issues. They take their academics seriously. They look forward to spending the best years of their lives with the country’s welfare in mind.
The Bonifacios are the brave and bold who pursue education and other goals no matter what challenges lie before them. They are sufficiently motivated to succeed in the simplest and most systematic way. We see them every day as disciplined, socially aware Filipinos.
The Aguinaldos are the diplomatic leaders, members of the youth who revolutionize the way of social service and community work. They have innovative plans for society; they initiate cleanup drives, tree planting activities, gift giving and other activities for the common good.
The Jacintos, being intelligent, utilize their knowledge not just in academics but also in taking the moral high ground.
The Mabinis are physically challenged yet emotionally and intellectually vigorous. Representing the optimistic heroes of this nation, they find ways and never give up despite bullying and social discrimination in schools and other institutions. They are the youth who swim against the current.
The Melchora Aquinos are women teenagers who are breaking the tradition of sexism, believing that the concept of force is how you use your strength. They don’t look at gender as a hindrance in doing good deeds in society.
The conventional concept of nationalism would include obeying the law, preserving our environment and caring for others, but the more challenging part is love of country and respecting all the Filipinos who gave up their lives so that others may live.
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