'We accept this sacrifice' - families of Filipino peacekeepers

MANILA, Philippines - The nation shares the grief of the families of the Filipino peacekeepers who died in the killer quake in Haiti. But what is most outstanding under the circumstances is the way these families took the loss.

With their loved ones and their dreams gone, we see something in common, they have accepted the death with courage and acceptance, never entertaining negative thoughts. The parents maybe heartbroken, but their pride in having a good soldier in their family who risked and sacrificed their lives for the country and for global peace, overcomes the feeling.

The only thing these families regret is that they had not spent as much time together to appreciate them more and said I Love You often. Nonetheless, these short moments must have been likewise valuable times the departed ones cherished.

Our prayers for DP3 Pearlie Panangui, Sgt. Eustacio Bermudez, Air Force Sgt Janice Arocena, Filipino civilian UN worker Jerome Yap and to all others who perished in the earthquake. To their families, we are more than proud to be Filipinos.

Finally, our snappy salute to all Filipino Peacekeepers in Haiti who went beyond our shores to give service to others. —  HELEN S. BUÑALES, Sampaloc, Manila