Ninoy's 34th death anniversary commemorated at NAIA

Soldiers and civilians on Monday commemorated the 34th death anniversary of former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. at Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Oscar Oida reported on Balitanghali.

The departure area of the airport was decorated with yellow flowers and ribbons, as visitors converged at the site  to commemmorate the death of the late senator.

Those who attended offered yellow flowers at the spot on the tarmac where Aquino was shot dead on August 21, 1983.

Former senator Heherson Alvarez led the offering at the Aquino monument at Terminal 1 while former senator Joey Lina sang “The Impossible Dream” as a salutation to Ninoy’s deed.

The wounded and fallen soldiers in the Marawi siege were also awarded the Ninoy Aquino Medal of Valor.

Those who fought against the Marcos Administration during the martial law era like Fr. Ben Beltran, Roberto "Obet" Bersola, Leoncio Evasco Jr., and Chi Pedroso were also conferred awards. They also offered in unity, yellow flowers on the marker where Aquino was killed.

August Twenty-One Movement President Reli German, Philippine Educational Theater Association Founder Cecile Guidote Alvarez, and “Crying Lady” Rebecca Quijano, were also present during the ceremony.

Yellow flowers were also offered at Ninoy’s monument at Terminal 3 of the airport named after the late senator.

Former Senator Rene Saguisag, in his interview on News To Go on Monday, remembered the death of Aquino by sharing how his mother, Aurora Aquino, felt at that time. 

“When he was going back, everyone thought it would be a joyous event. Only two dissented na may mangyayari sa airport. One was an American think tank, then we asked Tita Aurora,” he said.

According to Saguisag, when she was asked what was her basis for her feelings, Aquino's mother replied, "Kutob ng ina."

Saguisag also noted that the death of Ninoy must be commemorated so people do not forget what he died for.

“It needs to be celebrated because they were asking what we could do for the country, not what the country could do for us. That culminated during the People Power when we shocked the whole world. Entire families were in EDSA [Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue],” he said.

“Kailangan gunitain para manumbalik ‘yung spirit of sacrifice, spirit of selflessness,” he added.

When asked what yellow meant to him, Saguisag made a bold statement.

"It took Ninoy Aquino to make this a symbol of courage. I will never be ashamed of being identified as a 'yellowtard,'" Saguisag said. —Akari Nakano/KG,/KVD GMA News