In January 2022, one of the few remaining WWII veterans, Major Maximo P Young, passed away due to a heart ailment. He was six months away from his centennial birthday. The Armed Forces of the Philippines rendered full military honors during his internment ceremony.

Major Young was an extraordinary veteran having served in 3 international conflicts: WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War. He started his patriotic exploits as an able seaman of SS Divina and later MV Legazpi when the war began. The government tasked MV Legazpi to transport military cargo in the Visayas but was sunk by the Japanese in the Mindoro waters. Major Young survived by swimming ashore. He then joined the guerillas under then Captain Ernesto Mata on Negros Island.

After the war, he took up a battle tank maintenance course in the United States that qualified him to be with the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea  (PEFTOK) under the 10th Battalion Combat Team. Upon return, he got an appointment to the army officers corps as 2ND Lieutenant. When the Philippines sent a Civic Action Group (PHILCAG) to Vietnam, Major Young served in an operational planning cell in another capacity but was not part of the contingent.

As President of AGFO, the family through Major Young’s son, Lt. Colonel Wilson Young, requested me to say a few words during the necrological service. Part of the tribute is quoted hereunder. “Major Maximo Young’s special journey portrayed his tenacity, bravery, and heroism that demonstrated the exceptional traits of a true warrior and a productive citizen of the republic. The Association of General and Flag Officers, Inc., AGFO for short, joins the nation and its veterans in paying tribute to a great man.” “AGFO is conceived to “defend the preservation of the Republic so that justice, liberty, and democracy shall always prevail.” It also aims “to advance the welfare and interest of Filipino veterans of all wars” by recognizing their constant resolve to sacrifice for the protection of the state and by acknowledging their willingness and determination to lay down one’s life for the motherland.

“Upon learning of Major Young’s demise, several generals who have known him and his service reputation expressed their sympathies and condolences. One is a retired air force major general who used to play badminton with him some years back and once asked Major Young the secret or secrets of his longevity. The Major’s response: do physical exercise, solve a crossword puzzle and play mahjong. Another is a retired army brigadier general who spent 2 years with PHILCAG in Vietnam and who heard about Major Young’s battlefield experiences in WWII and the Korean war but was unaware that Major Young also served in Vietnam not in the combat zone but in a strategic planning cell that helped shape the allies’ conduct of the war.”

“Today, I share the grief and emptiness of Major Young’s family, colleagues, and friends for losing an outstanding war veteran who served his nation so well that the present youth of the land could draw inspiration from and possibly emulate his deeds. Many articles written about Major Young described his gallantry in combat where he convincingly demonstrated the enduring principle of leading troops: the accomplishment of the mission and taking care of the welfare of the men. But beyond his heroic acts, Major Young effectively articulated his practical definition of patriotism.”

“His definition was very simple –love of country and love of family. Patriotism sustained his life and vigor for more than 70 years, a long journey for a patriot. Major Young’s patriotism is larger than his nationalism, international in outlook, tolerant, broad-minded, and bereft of hatred against foreign enemies. Patriots know what the flag, the nation’s history, culture and traditions, democratic values, and the family as the basic unit of the society truly mean. Patriots recognize that nobody is perfect and that scarcity of resources is never a hindrance to a noble cause as being patriotic.”

“Major Young participated in 3 international wars where the preservation of basic freedoms and national pride and identity were at stake. From the shark-infested waters of Mindoro to the chilly battlefields in Korea and the bloody clash of ideology in Vietnam, Major Young’s determination to prevail was preeminent. His advocacy to “care for the living veterans and perpetuate the legacy” of Filipino soldiers is very touching. We must carry on.” “Major Young’s advocacy is not only about caring for the veterans but also for the Filipino youth. His challenge to them comes in a form of a question: How can you display your patriotism for our beloved country? A question that needs re-echoing.”

With the recent aggression of Russia in Eastern Europe, where an inferior nation is no match for its military might, the defenders have to suffer the dreadful consequences of fighting a superior enemy. The destruction of Ukrainian infrastructure, defense capabilities, production centers, and communities as the Russian offensive continues is a grim reminder of the horrors of war.

Based on media reports the Ukrainian national leadership appears to have ignited the patriotism of the Ukrainians and currently maintains control of the soldiers and volunteers. While over a million men, women, and children have crossed the borders to seek safe refuge most of the population remained to defend their homes and way of life.

Whatever the outcome of this bloody conflict, patriots will long be remembered because many of us salute our own like Major Young and recollect his challenges not only for the youth but also for the incumbent and future leaders of this nation.