The whole world is mourning Corazon “Cory” Aquino’s death.
Pictures and video footage are all over the news, and I just wanted to explain something: the “L” sign, which was one of Aquino’s trademarks. The “L” stands for laban, one of the Tagalog words for “fight.”
I just thought this may be helpful to my non-Filipino readers.
Note: You can read the comments to see more details on the “L” sign and how it evolved. My readers have shared some historical insights.
I’ve just heard the news of former President Cory Aquino‘s passing. She’s been battling cancer for quite some time and her condition deteriorated over the past few days.
President Aquino is part of my childhood memories. I didn’t know much about the Philippines at the time, but I remember the news coverage of the “people power” revolution. I was just a kid, but I was impressed by her heroic courage–running for President after her husband was assassinated.
I join this nation in mourning. As we reflect on her life, let’s remember the sacrifice and responsibility that comes with freedom.
“We Americans like to think that we taught Filipinos democracy – well tonight, they’re teaching the world.”
-Bob Simon (CBS News Anchorman, 1986)