The day of Valour

 “Isabuhay ang Kagitingan,Kapayapaan ay Pagkaisahan, Kamtin ang Mithing Kaunlaran.”

The Day of Valour, also known as the Araw ng Kagitingan, commemorates the Filipino and American soldiers who stood up against Japanese forces during World War II.This is a regular holiday in the Philippines and occurs on or around April 9. Many streets are closed and public transport routes may be redirected to give way for parades. Malls and other leisure areas remain open and most people may go to these places and use this day as a family day.

On 9 April 1942, Luzon Force, Bataan commander Major General Edward P King, Jr, surrendered more than 76,000 of his starving and disease-ridden troops (64,000 Filipinos and 12,000 Americans) to Japan. As captives, the soldiers were forced to endure the infamous 140-kilometre Bataan Death March to Camp O'Donnell in Capas, Tarlac. Along the way, thousands died due to famine, heat prostration, untreated wounds, and wanton or execution-style murder.Historians believe that only 54,000 of the 76,000 prisoners were able to reach Camp O'Donnell. The exact number of deaths and escapees was difficult to assess.

The week-long observance is an occasion to honor not only the Filipino war veterans who died or served the country but also to remember those who rendered honorable military service in defending the country in times of war or peace.This is to gratefully acknowledge their contributions in preserving our sovereignty and defending our national security.The commemoration of the Day of Valor teaches us to honor the courage of our forefathers and the sacrifices of our frontline workers today.These acts of heroism remind us to be altruistic, patriotic, and fearless.Isang mapagpalang Araw ng Kagitingan!

REFERENCES:

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/araw-ng-kagitingan/

https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/philippines/araw-ng-kagitingan

https://www.tatlerasia.com/culture/arts/heres-everything-that-happened-on-araw-ng-kagitingan

https://www.robinsonslandcondos.com/2021/04/araw-ng-kagitingan-by-rlc-residences.html