Battle of Bataan

Every year on the 9th of April, the entire country honors the Araw ng Kagitingan. The week-long observance is an occasion to commemorate the Filipino War Veterans who died for and served the country. It also provides an opportunity to remember those who render honorable military service in defending the nation in times of war or peace and gratefully acknowledge their contributions to preserving our sovereignty and safeguarding our national security.

The Day of Valor, also known as the Araw ng Kagitingan, commemorates the Filipino and American soldiers who stood up against Japanese forces during World War II. On the 9th of 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-kilometer Bataan Death March to Camp O'Donnell in Capas, Tarlac. Thousands of people died along the route due to famine, heat prostration, untreated wounds, and wanton or execution-style murder.

The story of the Fall of Bataan remains to be a devastating tale. It is a tragedy engraved in the dark pages of our history. The Second World War may have ended, but the valor and patriotism displayed by our veterans during the conflict will live on in our hearts and memory. We should all preserve and embrace this practice of celebrating Araw ng Kagitingan every year as a way of recognizing their efforts during the last World War. And like our veterans, we, the living, through sheer courage and determination, can overcome this crisis. May the valor they have exceptionally displayed in the past war be the light that will guide us through today’s ongoing battle.

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