01/09/2022
TRIVIA 21
DID YOU KNOW? | A Military Wedding is one of the beautiful traditions of the Philippine Army. This type of wedding is conducted if the groom is a commissioned officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Weddings celebrate the union of two individuals who vow to dedicate their lives to each other. They take a vow to love each other in sickness and in health, but military personnel also took a vow to dedicate their lives to the service when they entered the Philippine Army. It has been a long-time inside joke that those in the Army are married to the country first before to their spouses, but through a Military Wedding, the Philippine Army can be a part of the union between two lovers.
Military Weddings have been observed in different countries and different branches of service. Just like how civilian wedding ceremonies are full of beautiful traditions, there are also traditions that modern military weddings follow until this day.
The members of the AFP participating in the ceremony should be in their appropriate uniforms, such as White Duck or Gala Uniform. The groom’s dashing uniform greatly compliments the bride’s wedding dress.
Another tradition in a military wedding that cannot be missed is the entrance and exit of the couple under the Arch of Swords. The Arch of Swords is composed of at least four pairs of commissioned officers or cadets called the Sword Sponsors. This tradition symbolizes the married couple’s union sheltered with the blessing of the military. Before the newlywed couple can pass the last pair of swords, the groom must perform an exercise as instructed by the Sword Sponsor to show his strength and capability to support his bride.
During the wedding reception, it is also customary for the bride to cut the first piece of the wedding cake using the groom’s ceremonial sword. Through this, the bride honors her groom and his line of duty.
The conduct of military traditions during a wedding must be consulted and approved by the Chapel, Chaplain, or anywhere the wedding will be officiated. This is a part of the preparation for the military wedding and if all falls in place, the ceremony will give the couple a memory they will cherish for a lifetime.
Weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime experience that couples will surely never forget. This ceremony will mark the couple’s journey towards the new chapter of their lives. On September 3, 2022, the Philippine Army will witness and bless the conduct of the military wedding between Brig. Gen. Rosalio G. P***a and his wife Mrs. Desiree May Angelica P***a as they embark on their new journey.
Source: Drills and Ceremonies, Training and Doctrine Command, Philippine Army
Photo Source:
1LT VIRGILIO S NOORA II (INF) PA
1LT JAYWARDENE G HONTORIA PN (M)