As we celebrate our national heroes today, may we be reminded that democracy has always come at a high cost. Democracy is always fragile, and it needs the collective effort of citizens for it to stay alive.

Let us be inspired by those who’ve sacrificed and willingly paid the toll needed to keep the flame of democracy alive. And as we see nations around the world continue to fight to keep their freedom, let us pause and take in everything we enjoy right here, right now.

This National Heroes Day, let us stay vigilant against all that threatens our freedom. Let us look back on the sacrifices of those that came before us. It is through remembering that we keep the spirit and fire of democracy alive.