Araw ng Kagitingan: Honoring Sacrifices

    One of the many historical events the battle of Battle commonly known as the Fall of Bataan chosen to be the day of Valor or Araw ng Kagitingan mainly to commemorate and recall the thousands of Filipinos who dedicated their lives to free the country during World War II. 

    World War II started in the Pacific region on Dec. 8, 1941, when the Japanese forces attacked US bases, including the US bases in the Philippines. As the war continued, Filipino and Americal soldiers defended Bataan which was now considered one of the longest battles in Asia. And on April 9, 1942, Army Major General Edward P. King raised the white flag and surrendered to Japanese General Masaharu Homma. Many Filipino and American surrenderees became part of the tragic Death March, where the Japanese forced them to walk from Mariveles, Bataan, to San Fernando, Pampanga. And were made to ride small wagons that brought them to Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac. More than 20,000 people were estimated to have died during Death March due to starvation, exhaustion, thirst, and wounds amidst the death march. Although a lot survived and reached Camp O’Donnell the sufferings did not stop there until Allied forces retook the Philippines from the hands of the Japanese. In as much as we remember the courageous acts of our veterans in the protection of our freedom, we must also appreciate the valiant efforts of our modern-day heroes. Our front liners in all different fields in combatting the Covid-19 pandemic, setting our nation free from the virus that took the lives of many of our countrymen.

    April 9th is commemorated as the Day of Valor, to recall the valiant fight and efforts of our World War II Veterans to retain our sovereignty. As Filipinos commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan, we’ll not only remember the selfless acts of those who have come before us but also honor the lives of people who sacrificed for us to have the freedom we have now. And like our veterans, our front liners risk everything to regain our freedom against the pandemic.

References:

• Why is the Fall of Bataan commemorated as Araw ng Kagitingan?, GMA News, Published April 9, 2021, accessed on May 1 2021
• https://philippinemorningpost.com/araw-ng-kagitingan-the-fall-of-bataan-the-rise-of-modern-day-heroes/
• Image retrieved from https://live.staticflickr.com/3409/3509784899_1fb5b756e7_b.jpg
• image retrieved from https://article-imgs.scribdassets.com/4paz190qm86pqf4k/images/file94UB61US.jpg