We were coming from a quick visit to the Patapat Bridge/Viaduct when we decided to drop by the Military Park or Cape Bojeador Park in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It was so windy, but since we were already there, we registered (a representative needs to sign in on the guests' logbook) for a little exploration. It's totally free; there is no entrance fee.
Accordingly, the military park was a concept and design of the 4th Marine Brigade Commander, after the success of their first project in Sulu (2022).
The goal was to build a monument to honor the fallen soldiers from the North (Ilocos Norte), while featuring military relics and representations/dioramas of significant partnerships and collaboration between the people and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. - Quoted from the park's marker (above photo)
Anyway, the first spot we approached was the Air Force Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter fighter jet, which served as the backbone of the Air Force's air defense for many, many years until its retirement in 2005.
Interestingly, members of the 4th Marine Brigade volunteered to contribute their talent, skills, and time to build the park and ensured its completion by donating the equivalent of their 4-day subsistence allowance. What a very honorable, selfless act!
Accordingly, the groundbreaking and start of building were in August 2023, but the coordination, "shopping" of military relics, and fabrication of missing parts started in February of the same year. It is said that all materials and ornaments in the park are sourced locally (within Ilocos Norte).
Anyway, here are some more machines in the park.
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Of course, Yongi had to have souvenir photos in some of them.
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Regrettably, we couldn't stay longer, because the wind was strong and quite unbearable, pushing us as we explored, and even took (blew off) my cap, lol! I was just thankful the military officer near the jet was swift enough to catch it before it was blown farther away.
Anyway, here's a quick shot of the monument featuring silhouettes of soldiers honoring military history. "Bannuar iti Amianan" is a local dialect that translates to "Heroes of the North."
And some shots of the place's signage as we exited and proceeded to the parking area.
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While we didn't fully explore the place due to the howling winds that slapped our faces, we were glad to have had the chance to be there even for a short while and learned a bit about its story and inspiration. Salute to the members of the 4th Marine Brigade for their selfless acts, generosity, and commitment to honor their military heritage and the valor of their fallen comrades.
Hopefully, future generations will appreciate them too!
Copies of plans, design sketches, drafts, orders, photographs, list of involved personnel in this project, and the like are in encased time capsules below this marker; and requested to be opened the earliest, 40 years after, for future generations' appreciation.
What a beautiful legacy!
