Salute to the Filipino Flag: In Honour of the 110th Philippine Independence

Part 1

The colors unfurled before you represent the national banner of our country - the Philippines.

It stands for a people, united with every element forming an integral whole, a geographical territory without dismemberment - a republic, democratic, free and independent.

It is an emblem of our national freedom, the incarnation and inspiration of all that is dear and noble in Philippine life.

Wrought by the mighty hands of ages, born of a liberty-loving people and led by the guiding spirit of the destinies of nations.

It is the landmark of our national patrimony and the living symbol of our birthright.

In its name history records the founding and building of the nation.

Its zeal shall live till the end of time and its ideals shall cease only when nations and races are no more.

The Sun is an emblem of the eternal life of the nation and a symbol of the perpetual life that guards the destiny of our race.

Its eighth rays represent the first eight constituent provinces, the three stars designate the three great regions, ours by the gift of nature and by the design of the Almighty.

The white triangle tells us of our peaceful and friendly purposes as well as the sincerity and purity of our actions, the Masonic Trinity of Faith, Hope and Charity.

The blue field denotes our patriotism and our lofty principles and purposes.

The red stripe proclaims our indomitable energy with which we hold on to our tropical skies.

On the whole, the sun, the triangle and the three stars that make our flag are Masonic symbols - the Brotherhood of man under the Fatherhood of God.

As our forefathers have dreamed of it, so may it float forever over the land of a happy people.

Part 2

There flies our flag, an emblem of rare beauty and patriotic meaning.

The constant inspiration of our people for a life of peace, independence and freedom.

Salute it because it is the symbol of the happiness and felicity of our forefathers and heroes during the centuries gone by;

Kiss it because it is the banner of the brave sons of our Rajah Sulaimans and Maria Claras;

Press it upon your bosom because it is the sacred colors of our country, the Philippines;

Place it in your hearts because it is the symbol of our country that is over us in all our vicissitudes of life;

Love it because it is the fruit and sacrifices of our brothers and heroes who perished for our nation’s cause;

Adore it because it is the living personification of the spirit of our land of birth;

Venerate it because it is the living mantle that covered the bleeding and mangled bodies of our heroes - dead;

Bless it and dedicate it to God because it is the fruit and sacrifices of our brothers and heroes who now in eternity rest;

And trust it to the Almighty and to human justice that it be preserved for us, for our children and our children’s children, to glorify and render more holy that those who died for it might not have died in vain