Heroes and History

How many famous and high-spirited heroes have lived a day too long?

After having to endure the agony of waking up at 6 in the morning, my History professor luckily enlightened me ( what a good way to start the day, eh?) He began discussing about the Filipinos who revolted against the Spanish government. It's not something new really. Ever since first grade, we were forced to copy the names of Francisco Balagtas, Andres Bonifacio, Rizal, del Pilar, etc. We know they were all patriots of their time. With their wits and guts, they had persistently fought against the colonizers. We all know that. And we've heard it several times from different teachers. Yet most of us do not really know what it signifies. One doesn't ask, "why is it important for us to hear all these events and know these heroes?" Surprisingly, I'm beginning to understand what all these history lectures meant.

Rizal, our famous (and over-rated) national hero, fought for equality and with it comes freedom. As young as he was, he knew he was destined to become a patriot - to fight for the Motherland. He knew that. But he also knew that it will cost his life.

The three martyr priests, Gomez, Burgos and Zamora, wanted the same equal rights with the Spanish parish priests. So they fought for it. However blameless, they were sentenced to death - with their heads hanged and hopes alive.

Andres Bonifacio, with all might and courage, led an army to fight against the Spaniards. They were almost-victorious but he died by the sword, still believing that one day Inang Bayan will be free. But again, he had to pay the cost.

These men all had to suffer and shed blood while fighting for this we call freedom.

That was it. Freedom. That was their only dream, their only heartbeat. From the start, they knew what they were fighting for. It was not for their own luxury. It wasn't pride. Not position. Not riches. Not glory.

It was freedom.

But with it comes, sacrifice.

These men were courageous enough to face death because they knew that even if they die, they still believed that this vision of "freedom" will take place. People saw them fight for it, even 'til their very last breath. Now it is our turn to fight for it.

This is why our teachers, no matter how boring and strict they may appear, constantly lecture us about these patriots because we are made to become one. And now, it is our turn to fight for this freedom.

But are we willing to pay the cost? Are we willing to die to ourselves to see an entire generation free? Free from corruption? From lies? From mediocrity? From selflessness? From apathy?

Well, I am. Whatever it takes.

"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself."


Could we be the generation that will fall upon our knees? Could we be the generation that will set the captives free? Could we be the generation, not calling lives our own? Could we be?