Araw ng Kagitingan: Remembering the veterans
Every year, we are privileged to enjoy April 9 as a holiday but in the age of Internet, the youth remain clueless of its significance. To refresh our minds, let's talk about what Filipinos commemorate every April 9.
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| The Philippine Navy salutes and remembers the heroism of the Filipinos who fought and died for the freedom of our country. Philippine Navy |
April 9 or Araw ng Kagitingan plays a very relevant role in Philippine history as we pay tribute to the veterans of World War II. We recognize the gallantry and sacrifices they have fought for in the name of our country and countrymen.
On 9 April 1942, the officials composed of Filipino and American soldiers in command of Bataan who maintained the siege and defense with Japanese forces, formally surrendered. Thus, this very day is what we now recognize as the “Fall of Bataan.”
The war in Bataan lasted for 93 days, just four months after United States Army Forces in the Far East USAFFE (later named USFIP) retreated to Bataan. This shed blood to the peninsula until they finally laid down their arms still with apparent heroism on April 9, 1942, providing us with freedom that we now savor.
Third Lieutenant Nomando Ildefonso Reyes read the message prepared by Captain P. Salvador informing the Philippines and the world that “Bataan has fallen”, at the Manila Tunnel in Corregidor through the Voice of Freedom radio broadcast.
Three generations ago, by virtue of Proclamation 655, s. 2013 and pursuant of Executive order 203, s 1987, we still honor the valor, the lives lost, and the depths of sacrifices made by our beloved veterans through a nationwide holiday every April 9.
Our government declares April 5 to 11 as Philippine Veterans Week.
***Originally published on Philstar.com; April, 9, 2015; 11:47 a.m. Link: Araw ng Kagitingan: Remembering the veterans
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