#Freedom

By: Tristan Jhae C. De Vera

Every year, citizens from different countries celebrate a momentous occasion for each and everyone, their freedom. This freedom or independence is the birth of a nation just like here in the Philippines, this freedom is celebrated as a special non-working holiday.

Here in the Philippines, the Filipinos gathered around in one corner to observe our national day. Its celebration always starts in the 28^th of May with the displaying of the national flag in their homes, offices, and establishments. This is done to commemorate the first hoisting of the flag in a battle called Battle of Alapan in Cavite. After this commemoration day, the Filipinos started to wear Philippine-made textile products such as barong, terno, and indigenous clothing and fabrics. The funfair has also started with many children are enjoying those rides.  The Filipino language is also encourage to use as a support to the day where other nation recognized the country as a sovereign nation. Few days after, the momentous occasion has come. The people woke up early and gather around to witness the ceremony officiated by the Philippine government. At 8:00 A.M. sharp, the ceremony will start. From the barangays, until the executive department, they simultaneously raised the flag together with the national anthem. All the people who are witnessing the ceremony are united in singing the national anthem, and putting their right hand on the left part of the chest with pride and honor. After the highest official in the ceremony gave the speech, the most awaited part of the day has come. The parade of the military’s gallantry was officiated by the incumbent president of the country. The military shows off their force from army to air force, and marines to coast guards. The president gives a speech and a 21-gun salute was given by the military. The people waited this highlight of the day to see the capabilities of the country. After the parade, the families go to the mall or park to have their bonding with their children, and parents. Even their other relatives are invited to go with them. This is not being celebrated in the country. Those Overseas Filipino Workers in each country gather around and make their own way on how to celebrate the independence. Others just go to the mall with their co-worker, or they are having an independence parade that is facilitated by the embassy of the country.

Truly that we have a freedom that is worth waiting for. This freedom even have different kinds of freedom per every country particularly, freedom of expression, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. This three are the most important kinds of freedom as it determines whether the particular country has an absolute democracy or just a representative democracy.  This independence that our heroes fought with their blood and sweat just to achieve the prestige freedom. The people must no waist it because it is very significant to each and everyone. Thus freedom we have obtained must not be stepped by other nations, we must fight over the invaders of this country. Filipino people must not be shy of this nationality, because this is the nationality of bravery, integrity, and nobility. Filipinos must stand with proud, and honor in singing the anthem, reciting the pledges, and putting the right hand in the chest. Truly the Filipino is worth dying for. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang mga Pilipino! Mabuhay!