DND chief honors Philippines, US war veterans

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. paid tribute to Filipino and American veterans yesterday for their sacrifices and service in defense of their respective countries, emphasizing the responsibility of present generations to preserve the freedoms and shared values they fought for.

Speaking at the commemoration of US Veterans Day 2026, he emphasized that veterans deserve recognition not only for their ultimate sacrifices but also for the personal opportunities they set aside when they entered the profession of arms.

“When they chose or found themselves in the crossroad of serving their countries in the profession of arms, they removed other options in their lives: the chance to perhaps chase a dream, the chance to have higher education, the chance to have a family or the chance to continue caring for their families,” he said.

Teodoro emphasized that those who made the ultimate sacrifice must be remembered, while those who continue to live among us must be honored through genuine care and recognition of their service.

He also highlighted the role of veterans in shaping the histories of both countries, particularly through their shared fight for common values and their efforts to repulse aggression.

“They serve as inspirations to the continuing fight for active preservation of the freedoms that we enjoy,” he said.

Teodoro stressed that honoring veterans must go beyond commemorative ceremonies, emphasizing that present generations have a continuing responsibility to ensure that their sacrifices are not wasted.