Solenn Heussaff shares her story with the heroes of Marawi

When Solenn Heussaff accepted the invitation from the Armed Forces of the Philippines to visit Marawi, she didn’t know what to expect. Her awareness of the condition in Marawi was solely based on news and what she saw totally moved her. 

Solenn said, “Heroes were standing, sitting, lying in front of me. I wanted to hug all of them, wanted to thank them as much as I could, but it never felt enough. As I went from bed to bed, I came across men who were smiling, but whose souls were crying out. My tears welled up and I felt my heart pounding in my throat as I held their hands one by one.”
 
She called the soldiers in Marawi who were part of the war to fight the Maute group as “heroes.” Solenn continued her story by stating how easily we get distracted by small things while these heroes risk their lives for our safety.
 
“We know nothing close to what these heroes have been through. We don’t know the pain, the memories, the journey to recovery that they’re facing. Sadly, I felt like I was in a movie set—in a place that you cannot imagine to be real. It made me realize—why is it that we are so distracted by small and stupid things when this is happening so close to us? Why is it that these heroes suffer in silence, while we all just go through life normally?”
 
Solenn shared why she disclosed her story. She said, “I am not writing this for charity work or for anything else. You may have heard of people requesting for letters we can share, or for anything that can give them encouragement and hope. So I am asking you from the bottom of my heart, if you can help them in any way—physically, emotionally, morally—to give them something to acknowledge what they have done for us. And let’s also not forget their families who are going through this difficult time with them. So whether you choose to give letters, food, clothes, or anything that can bring a smile to theirs face or hope in their hearts while they recover, please do give it. “
 
A certificate of appreciation was handed to Solenn but for her, these heroes are the ones who should be lauded.
 
“What I had done could not and won’t ever compare to what they have sacrificed and to what every soldier out there is still sacrificing, for both me and you.”
 
Read the rest of Solenn’s story in 'Marawi' in Solenn.ph.