Abigail Anne: The Day of Valor

Marking the Greatness and Heroism of our Filipino Fighters

Courageous, dauntless, perhaps a little bit daring that all of us live at many crossroads, fear and valor being one, and when we chose valor we build ourselves all the stronger, rendering the choice all the easier each time we do. This is how we build ourselves into the brave, into those whose legends are told and retold. A hero who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. A nation at work, a community of support. Always remember and never forget.

The Araw ng Kagitíngan, also known as “Day of Valour” and “Bataan Day,” is a national day to commemorate the fall of Bataan during World War II. Held on the ninth of April, it is one of the national festivals or holidays of the Philippines which marks the greatness of Filipino fighters during World War II. The Day of Valor honors the sacrifice and bravery of those soldiers who died, as well as the valiant defense of Bataan, which was crucial to the war effort and eventual victory of the Allied Forces.

The siege of Bataan was the first major land battle for the Americans in World War II and one of the most-devastating military defeats in American history. The Bataan Death March was the culmination of a long battle against an invading force, and was a bloody indicator of the brutality of the Imperial Japanese Forces that occupied the Philippines. The captured American and Filipino soldiers were in bad health, after fighting a protracted battle with little food and water. They faced enormous challenges, endured hunger and thirst. They marched about hundred kilometers after the fall of Bataan. We all can see now how much they suffer almost from death but they use their aggression for noble purpose; they ensures that the brave and empathic version takes them to victory.

With this year’s theme “Kagitingan ay Gawing Gabay, Pandemya ay Mapagtatagumpayan”, this week-long observance of the Day of Valor was really a grateful and meaningful time to acknowledge and promote the deeds of Filipino War veterans not only those who sacrificed their lives and also for those who rendered honorable military service in defending our country to its limits but it also serves as a reminder that through sheer and determination, our Filipino veterans who were overcoming our ongoing battle against COVID- 19. Despite all the challenges, sufferings, pain and trials of defeat, our captured soldiers stood brave and strong in defending and protecting our country from the confined freedom. As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciate is not to utter words but to live by them. May this year’s national observance be meaningful and solemn. Long live our veterans! Love live the bravery of Filipinos!