Honoring Our Veterans: The Legacy of the Fighting First and the Spirit of the Filipino Warrior
Honoring Our Veterans: The Legacy of the Fighting First and the Spirit of the Filipino Warrior
A Day of Honor and Reflection
This Veterans Day, we honor the men and women whose service protects our freedom and strengthens our community. Their courage, discipline, and commitment to others inspire us to live with purpose and gratitude every day. Veterans Day celebrates our shared values — unity, dedication, and compassion. These are the same values that shape Pamana Kali and the warrior traditions we carry forward.
The Fighting First: Filipino Valor in World War II
We proudly honor the First Filipino Infantry Regiment, known as the Fighting First. These Filipino and Filipino American soldiers demonstrated strength and ingenuity in the jungles of the Philippines during World War II. Armed with rifles and bolos, the US Army issue jungle machetes used for survival and close combat, they showed how resourcefulness and courage thrive under pressure. The bolo became a symbol of Filipino adaptability and endurance — a tool of both protection and perseverance.
“The bolo represents the Filipino spirit — skilled, creative, and unyielding.”
Their example reminds us that our martial traditions remain alive in every generation that chooses courage, discipline, and service to others.
Honoring Our Women Warriors
We celebrate the Filipina heroes whose bravery and leadership shaped our history and strengthened our communities. Captain Nieves Fernandez, a schoolteacher turned guerrilla leader in Leyte, stands as a powerful symbol of courage and purpose. She trained her community in defense and led with intelligence and compassion. Many women served as nurses, medics, intelligence officers, and community leaders, each one showing resilience and dedication. Their example continues to inspire today’s generation to lead with confidence and heart.
“The heart of the Filipino warrior beats in every act of courage and compassion.”
Living the Warrior Tradition
At Pamana Kali, we live our warrior traditions every day. Training connects us to our ancestors and strengthens our awareness, balance, and focus. Filipino Martial Arts teaches us to move with purpose, to protect what matters, and to build community through shared discipline. Each strike, each step, and each form passes on the wisdom and strength of those who came before us.
“Kali trainining awakens the genetic legacy of the Filipino warrior.”
By practicing Kali, we celebrate heritage, deepen connection, and strengthen the spirit that defines us as Filipinos — resilient, capable, and always ready to serve.
Integration and Gratitude
Our veterans carry their warrior spirit into every part of life. Their dedication to service inspires us to do the same in our families, schools, and communities.
“The warrior spirit continues in how we live, teach, and serve.”
— Guro Alvin Catacutan
Pamana Kali stands in gratitude for all who have served — men and women, soldiers and civilians — whose strength and example guide us forward.
