I attended my uncle’s retirement ceremony two weeks ago at the army grandstand in Fort Bonifacio. He’s 56 years old and was a 1975 graduate of PMA. He served the military through the Philippine Army.
As I was listening to the speech of my uncle and as I was watching the soldiers that were listening to him, it made me realize that the military had a great effect in our family, in my life. We had 3 military officers in the family. All of them are brothers of my mom. Two graduated from PMA while the other one from Philippine Constabulary, now known as the Philippine National Police. My uncle from PNP passed away 3 yrs ago with the rank of Superintendent, my other uncle who served in the Air Force retired 2 years ago as Major General. I remember, we went pa to Mactan Air Base for his retirement ceremony. That was also the first time I flew to Cebu by C130. It was a great experience. Then, this time around my uncle naman from Army retired as Brigadier General.
As I was listening to the speech of my uncle and as I was watching the soldiers that were listening to him, it made me realize that the military had a great effect in our family, in my life. We had 3 military officers in the family. All of them are brothers of my mom. Two graduated from PMA while the other one from Philippine Constabulary, now known as the Philippine National Police. My uncle from PNP passed away 3 yrs ago with the rank of Superintendent, my other uncle who served in the Air Force retired 2 years ago as Major General. I remember, we went pa to Mactan Air Base for his retirement ceremony. That was also the first time I flew to Cebu by C130. It was a great experience. Then, this time around my uncle naman from Army retired as Brigadier General.
Having 3 uncles in the military has advantages and disadvantages. I got used to the “military time”, coz whenever we’re going somewhere and agreed on a certain time. Rest assured that my uncles are ready to go 10-15 mins ahead of the agreed time. That had a great influence on us. Very seldom do I arrive late in whatever meeting, gathering, etc. Good effect di ba? Another is that we got used to soldiers at an early age and even until now. Kasi di ba, there are others na they get scared when they see soldiers around, so kami, di affected pag ganon. There was one time pa na my uncle arrived in our house with his staff. There were about 8-10 of them and all in full battle gear. Kakagulat at first pero ok lang. They left naman their armalites at the door and did not bring it inside our house then greeted me “ma’am, good evening ma’am!” Bat kaya ganong mga sundalo? They start their sentence with sir or ma’am and end it with sir or ma’am din? Hehehe!
Anyway, this post is really for my uncle. Just want to thank him for all the things and knowledge I got from him. I saw in him the life of a soldier that made me appreciate them and their sacrifices. You see, my uncle seldom spends time with his family. My aunt and their children are residing in Cotabato, while my uncle lives where he is assigned. From cotabato, to samar, to tarlac, to the headquarters and so on. I’d like to thank him also for allowing us to stay in his quarters when my parents left for the US. We stayed at Paoville from 1999 till this year, ilang years din yon na libre bahay. Hehe!
He delivered a good speech. Part of which includes telling the soldiers that service to countrymen is spelled as sacrifice coz you really get to sacrifice a lot for the country. He also said that they should not pull each other down and that if there are promotions or recognitions, support them instead, for this will help them and our country. Can’t remember na what else he said eh.. basta yan lang yung naaalala ko. Congrats again for being a great soldier and servant of our country. Mabuhay ka!!
My Uncle
The soldiers
With His Cadet Girl
Kami!!
La lang.. natuwa ako eh! hehe!
2 comments:
hi toni! your post opened a floodgate of memories. check out my latest entry about my family's military background. special mention ka dun. :D have nice day!
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