A Flag Ceremony

I was driving home early one morning, when I was forced to a stop on the road at an elementary school. There was a signage posted on the blockade that read: 

STOP

Flag Ceremony

I rolled down my window, and was serenaded by the tinkling of tens of xylophones playing the Philippine national anthem, accompanied by the voices of children singing in unison. It was heart wrenching to see such stoic children standing at attention with their right hands held up so patriotically. 

"Lupang Hinirang"
Composed by Julian Felipe on June 12, 1898

Bayang magiliw, perlas ng silanganan.
Alab ng puso, sa dibdib mo'y buhay.
Lupang hinirang, duyan ka ng magiting
Sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil.
Sa dagat at bundok, sa simoy at
sa langit mong bughaw,
may dilag ang tula at awit
sa paglayang minamahal.
Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y
tagumpay na nagniningning.
Ang bituin at araw niya
kailan pa may di magdidilim.
Lupa ng araw, ng lualhati't pagsinta,
buhay ay langit sa piling mo.
Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi,
ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.

After the anthem ended, I drove away, my heart filled with pride and gladness to have witnessed such a powerful ceremony performed by such meek souls.