FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army sent soldiers to stand vigil during the memoral service of the late veteran actor and former Philippine Scout member Eddie Garcia at the Heritage Park, Taguig today, June 21, 2019.
The Army also laid the national flag next to Garcia's remains in recognition of his roots in the armed forces.
Garcia was only 19 when he volunteered to be part of the Philippine Scout which was to be deployed to Okinawa, Japan.
"His deployment ceremony was held in Luneta, that was why he wished his ashes to be scattered in Manila Bay," shared Erwin S. Garcia, the last living son of the actor.
Garcia was open about his past aspiration to be a soldier and actively supported various initiatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He was an avid shooter, participating in annual shooting competitions hosted by the AFP.
"The Philippine Army condoles with the family of the late Eddie Garcia. We admire him not only as an actor but as a fellow comrade in arms. His desire for his ashes to be scattered on the Manila Bay speaks of his love of the noble profession of arms, despite his short-lived military career. He is an inspiration and an example that one does not have to be a soldier in order to serve the country," said Ltc. Ramon P. Zagala, Army spokesperson.#
