TAGUIG CITY, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. called on Filipinos on Saturday to safeguard the freedoms secured by Filipino and American veterans, emphasizing that the current generation must ensure their sacrifices are not wasted.
Speaking during the commemoration of U.S. Veterans Day 2026 at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Teodoro stated that honoring veterans extends beyond remembering the fallen; it requires caring for survivors and upholding the causes they defended.
U.S. Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11 to honor the enduring alliance and shared wartime sacrifices of American and Filipino soldiers.
“The greater sacrifice is to continue and not waste the sacrifice they made. That is the ultimate duty that we owe those who made an option, or chose an option rather, or found themselves in a situation where we are living today because of them,” Teodoro said.
The defense chief highlighted the personal costs of military service, noting that soldiers often set aside their own aspirations—such as pursuing higher education, starting a family, or supporting loved ones—when facing the demands of the profession.
“When they chose or found themselves at the crossroads 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 noted that the shared historical struggle of Filipino and American troops against aggression should inspire citizens to actively preserve their liberties for future generations.
“These veterans being protagonists in both and all our country’s histories, in a common fight for shared values, in a common fight to repulse aggression. They serve as inspirations to the continuing fight for active preservation of the freedoms that we enjoy. And to build a patrimony that both our countries’ future generations deserve,” he added.
Concluding his address, Teodoro underscored that recognizing surviving veterans requires genuine, ongoing support rather than isolated annual tributes.
“And so today, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. However, for those who continue to live amongst us, it is but right and fitting that we honor them with care,” he said.