Heroes Lounge sans real lionhearts

Once upon a time, in a small town, there lived a retired soldier named Leo who devoted his life to his country, valiantly defending its citizens. He fought in countless battles, demonstrated unparalleled courage and earned the utmost respect of his fellow soldiers.

Following years of dedicated service, he eventually retired and returned to his hometown, longing for a peaceful life among the people he had fiercely safeguarded. Regrettably, he discovered that the reality fell significantly short of his expectations.

The residents of the town, preoccupied with their own lives and concerns, appeared to have disregarded the sacrifices made by soldiers like him. He was ignored and overlooked; his presence was almost invisible to those around him. He was perplexed at how he transitioned from being a revered hero to an unnoticed figure within his community.

Leo's experience is not unique. Numerous other soldiers, such as retired Marine Colonel Ariel Querubin, can empathize.

In a Facebook post on 23 September, the 67-year-old decorated military veteran expressed his disappointment over  being denied access, along with other retired generals, to a private lounge at the Tuguegarao airport because it was already occupied.

"After a very fruitful trip to Isabela and Tuguegarao the past few days, I was very disappointed to find that myself and a handful of retired generals were not allowed to use the Heroes Lounge at the Tuguegarao Airport because it was reserved for these Chinese-looking individuals," Querubin's post read. "Are the Chinese the new heroes in this country? Definitely NOT!"

To this day, Tuguegarao Airport manager Mary Sulyn Sogorsor has yet to issue a statement on the degrading incident.

Is Manager Sogorsor unaware that real heroes were denied entry to the Heroes Lounge? Does she even acknowledge that Colonel Querubin, a recipient of the Medal of Valor, the highest honor bestowed upon a Filipino, was among them? Colonel Querubin played a crucial role in capturing the MILF's strategic staging area, Camp Mack in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, in the early 2000s.

Has she forgotten the services and sacrifices of the retired generals, who put themselves in immense danger for decades?

Querubin, who is no stranger to brushes with death and sustained 67 battle wounds during his more than 30 years in the military service, lamented: "If they can do it to senior officers, what more to the others?"

Retired soldier heroes do not deserve the indifference. Being preoccupied with their own lives is never an excuse not to acknowledge their struggles, sacrifices, and contributions.

They may have proven that a hero's spirit can prevail despite the apathy, but they should never become a symbol of forgotten heroes they  who had dedicated their lives to selflessly protecting the nation. Otherwise, it is heartbreaking.