Introduction
On July 14 each year, France proudly commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison during the French Revolution. Bastille Day stands for the victory of the French people against tyranny, their struggle for freedom, and the principles of “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité”, upon which the French Republic is built.
On the morning of July 14, 1789, the citizens of Paris seized guns from the Invalides armory and marched toward the Bastille, a historic royal castle that was essentially a despised jail. Following a deadly exchange of gunfire, the Parisian “mob” entered the Bastille and freed the few inmates who were being kept inside. The tactical gains from this liberation of prisoners were small, but the political and symbolic payback was immense and reverberates to this day.
Examining the meaning of Bastille Day reveals important lessons for Filipinos, especially the youth, who are looking for inspiration to advance their own nation. We seek to shine a light on the lessons that Filipinos may take away from Bastille Day, emphasizing the values of solidarity, engaged citizenship, the quest for real social change, and the upholding of democratic rights.
1. The Strength Of Oneness
The French people's united and coordinated efforts to fight oppression are commemorated on Bastille Day. Our youth may benefit from this by appreciating the power of unity. The Filipino people have historically triumphed over many obstacles and injustices by banding together, as shown during the historic People Power Revolution of 1986. Filipinos can use their combined strength to accomplish a shared goal and advance society through principled unanimity.
2. The Importance Of Engaged Civic Participation
Bastille Day serves as a reminder to Filipinos that the people are crucial actors in determining the destiny of their nation. They actively engage in politics, question authority when necessary, and vent their frustrations. Inspired by Bastille Day, Filipinos may carry out their civic responsibilities, such as voting, joining community organizations, and supporting social change. Active civic involvement fosters responsibility, gives people the authority to influence public policy, and ultimately improves society.
3. Supporting Real Social Change
On Bastille Day, the French people demanded not only political rights but also social fairness, marking a tipping point in their history. This striving for genuine change within 18th-century French society can inspire Filipinos. Filipinos may take steps to build a more participatory and fair society by tackling problems involving poverty, corruption, inequality, and human rights. The necessity of pursuing broad reform that benefits every person in society, regardless of their standing in life, is underscored by Bastille Day.
4. A Reminder To Uphold And Defend Democratic Principles
Every year on the 14th of July, Bastille Day reminds the French people of the essential democratic ideals that their country stands for. In turn, our educators may proceed from this reminder by inculcating in our youth the necessity of safeguarding democratic ideals, upholding the rule of law, maintaining freedom of expression, and upholding human rights. In so doing, they promote a society where the rule of law is upheld, diversity is valued, and every citizen's voice is heard.
Conclusion
By stressing the power of solidarity, civic involvement, the quest for genuine social change, and the defense of democratic ideals, Bastille Day is a beacon of inspiration to Filipinos. Filipinos can exert together to create a more fair and equitable society by practicing these ideals. As the Philippines confronts its own problems, reflecting on the enormous importance of Bastille Day instills in Filipinos the potential for progress and the unassailable strength of the populace when united in the pursuit of a common goal.
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