Marawi City. (INQUIRER PHOTO / Jeoffrey Maitem)
To honor the heroism and sacrifices of soldiers who fought in the battlefield, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is set to issue and launch the red rose pins to be worn by military families and supporters.
The red rose pins will be similar to the red poppies worn during Remembrance Day in Europe to commemorate soldiers who died in war.
“We will have this presented formally or launched during the Armed Forces of the Philippines anniversary celebration,” said AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo in a press briefing Friday.
The AFP anniversary will be held next Wednesday at Camp Aguinaldo. President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to attend the ceremonies.
Arevalo said that they are hoping that relatives of fallen soldiers and their invited guests will be among the first batch to wear the red rose pins.
The pins, which show partially bloomed wild rose, represent the flower endemic to the Philippines, just like the members of the AFP who came from different parts of the country. It is partially bloomed to symbolize the troops who made the ultimate sacrifice ahead of their time, Arevalo explained.
The pins’ color red is a representation of the blood and sacrifices of soldiers. The bunting ribbon with sun and stars bearing the colors of the Philippine flag will be wrapped around the stalk. These will symbolize the support of the Filipino people.
Arevalo said dependents and other relatives of fallen soldiers will wear the pin on their left chest, while supporters will put it on their right chest.
Military personnel may only wear it with their civilian attire unless prescribed.
AFP chief of staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero said the anniversary rites will be “simple and meaningful.” It will focus on the heroism of soldiers not only in Marawi but all over the country.
He said they also have recommended one Medal of Valor awardee but it is still subject to the approval of the President.
The Medal of Valor is the highest military award for combat. /jpv
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