PH Navy honors fallen front-liners in 123rd anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (May 21, 2021): PH Navy honors fallen front-liners in 123rd anniversary (By Priam Nepomuceno)

SALUTE TO FRONT-LINERS. Philippine Navy (PN) troops give a salute to honor fallen front-liners in the battle against Covid-19 during the commemoration of the service's 123rd anniversary at the PN headquarters in Manila on Thursday (May 20, 2021). Navy troops are also among front-liners in the country's pandemic response. (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Thursday paid tribute to all front-liners who died in the battle against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic during the commemoration of its 123rd founding anniversary.

The event kicked off with a flag raising ceremony at PN headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila with the flag flown at half-mast followed by a prayer, a minute of silence, and synchronized blowing of ships' horns/sirens.

This solemn sequence was simultaneously observed in all PN units across the country to pay tribute to all the sailors and marines, front-line personnel, and all medical workers who perished while performing their sworn duties.

PN chief, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo also thanked the men and women of the PN for their "unparalleled effort and dedication in the performance of our mandate".

"I am confident that the Philippine Navy’s ability to stay committed to serving the interests of our maritime nation is unquestionable. We continue to invest our time, effort, and all available resources in order to assert our national security agenda by protecting our country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” he said in a statement.

This year's anniversary theme "Protecting and Securing our Maritime Nation Amid New Challenges" highlights the organization’s unfaltering commitment to transition to modern platforms, systems and mindsets as it bolsters its capability to respond to all kinds of threats and challenges while remaining at the forefront of the nation’s ongoing battle against the pandemic.

"It has been a pleasure to serve this maritime nation with all of you. Thank you for your unwavering dedication. Continue on with what we started. Refuse to yield to challenges…Mabuhay ang Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas! Happy 123rd Anniversary!” Bacordo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1141018