Suggestions to honor the ‘formidable’ 44

To honor their bravery and perpetuate their memory, I would like to suggest that our city councils rename streets after the 44 Special Action Force commandos, just like what was done for the 20 boy scouts and their four scout masters who perished in a tragic plane crash on their way to Greece, to attend the 11th World Scout Jamboree, more than 50 years ago.

Markers (white crosses) should be placed on a large spread reserved for them at the Libingan ng mga Bayani or a cenotaph built in their honor at the gates of Manila North Cemetery, where commemoration rites will be held in memory of them every Jan. 25, which shall henceforth be observed as the PNP-SAF Troops Memorial Day. These can be directed through a presidential proclamation.

They are not called heroes for nothing. They are not the fallen 44, but the formidable 44. The entire Filipino people will forever be grateful to them. They did not die in vain.

—MEANNE MIJARES,

meanne.mijares@gmail.com