In Memoriam - Cory Aquino

Maria Corazon “Cory” Cojuanco Aquino - January 25, 1933 – August 1, 2009

Yellow is the first sign of a new day, a new beginning, a promise of what is to come as the sun rises above the horizon. As such, it was the perfect color for a lady who donned the mantle of power on behalf of the people.

She didn’t aspire for her role in history. Happily married to Benigno S. “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr., a strong opposition political leader, she was a mother and wife. To be sure, she was intelligent, but by all accounts she was happiest at home in the Philippine society’s traditional role as a pillar of support for her husband and family. Unfortunately, the murder of her husband thrust her into a greater role as the pillar of support for a renewed Philippine democracy.

I remember the first time I saw her. It was in January 1991 at the ceremony in which the colors of the famed Philippine Constabulary were struck and replaced with the colors of the Philippine National Police. I had only been in country about 10 days and knew little about the personalities or players with whom I would interact for the next 11 years. I was lucky enough to be seated next to a USAF LTC and his lovely wife and after the end of the official ceremony he asked if I would escort his wife to the auditorium while he met with his Filipino contacts.

The auditorium at Camp Crame was crowded as people continued to flow in and none were leaving. While standing there I saw a lady quietly standing alone off to one side. I recognized her as she was dressed in her trademark yellow and observing the goings-on with a small smile. Never being the shy one, I escorted the lady who had been entrusted me to President Cory Aquino and presented her and myself while offering our appreciation for being invited to observe the ceremony. As we spoke briefly, I felt the warm glow of the President’s personality and was impressed with the honesty and humility with which she responded. I walked away not fully appreciating that I had just been in the presence of one who had been at the center of one of the seminal moments of Philippine history. My impression that day, and it hasn’t changed, was that I had just met a person who, having the mantle of leadership thrust upon her, did not shirk or make excuses but rose to the occasion and did the best she could for her country. I was impressed not with her charisma but with her aura of goodness and straight-forward manner.

Throughout my 11 years in the Philippines she remained a central figure, almost reluctantly involving herself in the political ebb and flow of the vibrant democracy that she strived to help create. She never sought the center stage but was often thrust there by the times. In all that, her love of country and family was always evident.

Her last battle was hard fought and painful; and, from all accounts she fought that battle and endured the discomfort with the same strength she showed during her life and presidency. She is finally at peace now and we are left to reflect on her life and accomplishments. To do so properly may take more than one generation of scholars. But her goodness as a human being and greatness as a patriot are self-evident needing no scholarly study. The world lost an icon of freedom. The Philippines lost a great leader and role model. But most importantly, her family lost a loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt.

My condolences and that of my family are extended to her family and to the Philippine people.