Celebrating the nation's birth

WHEN I was a kid, literally, I used to watch the annual Independence Day parade every June 12, during the presidency of Fidel V. Ramos on television. Being a provinciano, I always imagined what it would feel like to be part of those watching at the grandstand.

I have read in old textbooks how parents explain the importance of parades in celebrating the birthday of the country for the people to remember the sacrifices of those who came before us. There was a time when the veterans of World War II even joined these parades in each locality. It also highlighted the weaponry and efficiency of our armed personnel. After the Philippine Centennial of 1998, there were fewer national parades. Maybe because of the economic challenges. Maybe because the relevance of these things is lost to a new generation born to freedom.