12:30 PM

Sept 10, 1972

Sunday

Malacañan Palace

Manila

It is now my birthday. I am 55. And I feel more physically and mentally robust than in the past decade and have acquired valuable experience to boot.

Energy and wisdom —the philosopher’s heaven.

Parade and Review — in the rain. I trooped the line in a raincoat and hat: Felt good.

“The freedom that we pledge ourselves to is a native concept of freedom — not an alien one.”

The history of our people show this.

The Philippines was the land of freedom.

So I come to bear witness to the renewal of your pledge to freedom.

And I am proud to be counted as another soldier who also says — For freedom, Battle to the Death.