On Memorial Day, missing my dad and reflecting on what service to country means

The American Military Cemetery in Fort Bonifacio in Makati. Photos by Leslie Ferrer Espinosa

The American Military Cemetery in Fort Bonifacio in Makati. Photos by Leslie Ferrer Espinosa

By Leslie Ferrer Espinosa

I should have brought more tissues. I sat down and watched the presentation of colors, and that was a moment to take in. Two giant flags, one of the United States and one of the Philippines, stand aloft at the American Military Cemetery in Fort Bonifacio in Makati. I can’t describe exactly what I felt, but a thought sat with me all day…my two countries.

An even more profound thought sat with me. My dad. I could not help having flashbacks of him in his white uniform when he would come home on an aircraft carrier, each sailor standing on the edge as they got closer and closer to their families waiting on the pier. I could not help having flashbacks of his funeral in San Diego, California.

He was a Master Chief in the U.S. Navy, and he served for a total of 30 years. He would have stayed longer if he could. My dad was born here in the Philippines and became a U.S. citizen after joining the military. Being around the same uniforms today, made me so proud of everything he was able to do in his life. I miss him so much. I asked my Tagalog teacher in New York how to kindly say he passed away, and I liked this one the best: He is in heaven. Sumalangit na siya.

I listened to the different speeches about WWII and Vietnam. There was even a survivor of the Bataan Death March in attendance. Then I listened to the U.S. ambassador speak about the relationship of the Unites States and the Philippines — and what it means to serve. I have never felt so patriotic!

Through education I can help children realize their potential. For the FilAms back home, I hope you get to the Philippines sooner than later. My heart is full of love and I have a soul full of hope, so let the adventure continue. I wandered through the cemetery for a bit and found myself more inspired than ever.

I left the cemetery feeling humbled, getting one last glimpse of the perfectly aligned headstones, in the perfectly manicured lawns, with small, perfectly placed American and Philippine flags side by side.

The author is a teaching fellow for Teach for the Philippines program.

The author is a teaching fellow for Teach for the Philippines program.

New Yorker Leslie Espinosa is in the Philippines as a fellow for Teach for the Philippines. This essay, which originally appeared in her blog, Tagalogue, is being reprinted with permission.

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