Military honors for vets a matter of right
A letter from a woman in Minglanilla,
The letter from the woman, who identified herself only as a Mrs. M.U. Rivera, dealt mainly with the death of a World War II veteran who she claimed failed to received the honors due him, such as a firing detail and a flag to drape on the coffin.
I believe the relatives of the deceased did not fully know the process by which they could avail of the honors, hence the failure of the honors to be accorded the veteran. For instance, you don't go to the police, which the relatives did, to request for a firing detail.
Anyway, here is the letter of Colonel Omandam, which I think best explains the concern of the military authorities over what happened, especially to veterans whom they regard in the highest esteem, and what may be done to prevent similar oversights or mistakes from happening.
Dear Mr. Tundag;
This has reference to your column entitled, "The Filipino Soldier," dated February 01, 2008, commenting on the insights of the e-mail written by a woman from Minglanilla, Cebu, re the interment of a deceased World War II veteran who was not accorded appropriate military honors, and, that the deceased heirs' request for a flag was denied by the VFP Office for non-availability of the same;
You know, it is really very disheartening to know that a WWII veteran was deprived of such honors. The report, really struck my attention as the Civil Military Operations Officer of Central Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines, because, we could have accorded him with appropriate honors had the heirs of the deceased informed us. Funeral honors, services and other last courtesies due to a deceased veteran are part of our duties and responsibilities in the military service;
To preclude occurrence of similar incidents in the future, we would like to inform the public once again, that World War II and other veterans are entitled to funeral honors when their time come. Their heirs or relatives of the concerned veteran must however inform the nearest military unit in the area which in turn will arrange for the said honors and other interment services;
The new generations of soldiers today look up to and admire the bravery and courage of our World War II veterans, who fought gallantly for our freedom;
Finally, may I just say that funeral honors is not only a privilege but a right of all veterans;
Very Truly Yours;
Lt. Col. Jefferson S. Omandam.
So there, it is hoped that the general public, especially those who have veterans in the family, will know that military honors for those who served their country in the armed services are accorded as a matter of right, not just as a privilege.
In other words, it is automatic. All that needs to be done is that the proper military authorities be informed. It is therefore no longer the fault of those concerned if no such honors were accorded because no such information was given.
It has to be pointed out, painfully perhaps, that in the case of the veteran from Minglanilla, it appears that the relatives of the deceased went to inform the wrong parties, such as the police.
Anyway, maybe it's not too late for the relatives of that veteran to go to the Central Command and see Colonel Omandam who, I am sure, will be more than willing to help set things right. The colonel, I must say, has been calling me, deeply concerned about the incident.
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