By Francis Wakefield An image of a Filipino soldier with a young girl was immortalized in a statue which was inaugurated and unveiled in Cavinti, Laguna during the country’s 120th Independence Day celebration as a lasting symbol of appreciation to those who serve in the military. Flag of the Philippines | wikimedia.org | Manila Bulletin The unusual manner in which the national holiday was celebrated deviates from the traditional flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies that were almost simultaneously held across the country today. The unprecedented undertaking was initiated by Mayor Milbert Oliveros. According to Oliveros, his constituents want to blaze the trail for our countrymen to follow. “Our soldiers sacrificed a lot for us to enjoy our booming eco-tourism as well as the peace and order in our community, this is a small recognition compared to what they have been doing for the people of Cavinti," Oliveros said. Oliveros said the municipality “decided to deviate from the customary activities because we believe that the best way to honor the sacrifices of our founding fathers is to honor our present-day heroes who have followed their footsteps so that present-day Filipinos will continue to enjoy the freedom and democracy which they fought and died for.”. Present during the activity were the 202nd Infantry Brigade’s valued partners and stakeholders who have pledged and committed their support for the construction of the town’s newest attraction which depicts a kneeling and smiling soldier before a smiling girl who holds a Philippine flag. Rear Adm. Zyril D Carlos (ret.), the representative of Bases Conversion and Development Authority, said “this statue is just the second of its kind in the country which was put up outside a military camp in honor of the soldiers. The historic event of dedicating a statue in honor of the soldiers in a public land instead of a military-controlled facility, a common endeavor in first world countries, was witnessed by around 400 people who converged by the Caliraya Lake despite the prevailing unfavorable weather conditions. The audience was a cross-section of Philippine society – elected and appointed officials, teachers, government workers, students and religious. In his remarks, Brig. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo B Burgos Jr.,commander of the Philippine Army’s 202nd Brigade, said the statue is an affirmation of the people’s support to their soldiers which shall serve as their inspiration to continue performing their mandate to serve the people and secure the land – whoever, whatever, whenever and wherever the threat may be. Burgos ended his Independence Day message by thanking the project’s principal players and the people of Cavinti for their trust, confidence and hospitality. "We are both humbled and proud. Once in a while, even heroes need heroes to succeed. You are the heroes of our country’s heroes," he said. The festive atmosphere mixed well with the solemn theme of the celebration. It showcased a Lyre and Marching Band demonstration, Cavinti’s traditional song and dance performances and a magnificent display of talent by the Cavinti Choir. The 202nd Infantry (UNIFIER) Brigade is the Army unit which serves as the vanguard of the national government’s southern frontier having operational jurisdiction over Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon. Cavinti is the host municipality of the brigade which is stationed at Barangay West Talaongan. The soldier and the girl who served as the statue’s model are both residents of Cavinti, Laguna.