There are events in our lives that bridge the gap between the past and the present, the old and the new, aspirations to dreams fulfilled. The “Testimonial Review in Honor of the Veterans,” held at Hunters ROTC Guerrilla Field, Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City last week, was one such remarkable moment of a lifetime.

As I stood alongside our country’s top DND and military officials, veterans, and their families, I felt that the ceremony had become more than an annual tradition. It was a gathering that connected generations and bound past sacrifices to the freedoms we now enjoy as a nation.

Every movement in the Parade and Review carried deep meaning and memories that resonated among the crowd. The formation of troops reflected discipline shaped by our nation’s rich military history. The presentation of honors expressed deep gratitude that words cannot fully express.

And the inspection troops and march in review were affirmations that the legacy of our veterans continues to inspire our men and women in uniform. But what struck me the most during the solemn ceremony was the faces of our beloved veterans and their families.

These battle-scarred individuals are living heroes who embody courage, selflessness, and unwavering loyalty to our country. Their stories are not only etched in history books, but in the hearts and minds of our people.

As our nation celebrated the 84th Araw ng Kagitingan, we must remember the true meaning of valor. It is found in the quiet strength of a young soldier in the midst of battle, or in the unwavering commitment of a health worker to serve residents in remote villages.

During the ceremony, I quoted Brigadier General Vicente Lim, who once said: “We are born to live a life which is valuable only if we live it unselfishly…for our country.” His words resonate even more today in a world that is filled with uncertainty and ever-evolving threats.

Our veterans, most of whom are now in their twilight years, clearly understood that the strength of our nation lies not only in its capacity to defend itself, but most importantly, in the character of its people.

In many ways, today’s challenges are similar to those we confronted in the past, though they are being fought in spaces where misinformation spreads, where animosity is causing division, and where peace is being tested.

But, we, as a nation, have always responded in the same manner that our veterans did when they faced our foreign adversaries — with courage, unity and a deep resolve that goes beyond personal interests.

I was particularly moved by the message of Cadet Col. Jherwin C. Jeresano 1CL, Corps Commander of the Pamantasang Lungsod ng Marikina ROTC Unit, who represented the youth during the ceremony.

Jherwin reminded us that while the current generation may not stand in the frontlines of battle, they carry the same responsibility, and that is, to serve with honor, lead with integrity and protect the peace that our veterans fought hard to win.

This, I believe, is where the significance of the “Review in Honor of the Veterans” lies. This occasion is not only about looking back but is also about looking ahead. This is the best way we can build a more peaceful, progressive and resilient nation.

We must ensure that the legacy of our veterans is not relegated to history books and forgotten over time. It must be carried forward by every Filipino through acts of integrity, compassion, and a commitment to peace.

As I shared during the event, we do not have to fight wars to become heroes. We just have to embody the same principles that defined the lives of our veterans by becoming instruments of understanding, respect, and unity.

In doing so, we are honoring them not just through a ceremony but through our daily actions, particularly in the way we treat our colleagues, how we serve our communities, and in our efforts to help foster peace and solidarity among our fellow Filipinos

In his speech during the 84th Anniversary of the Araw ng Kagitingan in Mt Samat, Mariveles, Bataan, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to work together to build a Bagong Pilipinas that is “steadfast in purpose, united in vision, and worthy of the heroism that today we celebrate.”

May we find inspiration not only in the heroism of our veterans, but in their enduring example of what it really means to live, serve and be ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of our nation.

(Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. is the presidential adviser on peace, reconciliation, and unity.)