Soldiers sacrifice a lot to protect us

I remember my lolo telling me stories and memories of war. Of lives sacrificed and families torn apart because of war. Of children unable to feel the warmth of the love of a father who had to be in the battlefields, to fight for freedom and the nation’s independence.

All those stories, and the emotions they evoked, came back to life as I watched on TV stories about the war that continues to rage between government troops and Maute terrorists in Marawi City. How hard it must be for the soldiers themselves and for their families, especially the children. However tragic a soldier’s life might end, his heroism and bravery in times of war should not be forgotten.

Every war has an objective, achieving it would entail sacrifices; it could be a most difficult and painful act. More so in the ongoing war in Marawi, where the enemies do not value life and clearly do not have a religion.

I may not be a soldier’s daughter or relative, but I feel saddened to hear of soldiers dying in war. They risked their lives to protect us, and died for us.

I am thankful to the soldiers for fighting to keep us safe so that we can live a peaceful life. But I feel sad for them, too, at the thought that they could not join their spouses and children for family celebrations, like Father’s Day, because of war. I am thankful to them though—for sharing with the nation a son, a husband or a father, just to keep us safe and free from harm. I believe that the strong love of the soldiers for the country, their courage and dedication would win the battle of Marawi and all battles—for the Filipino people.

We are praying, too, for our soldiers’ safety.

CATHERINE O. DE MESA, [email protected]