April 9th: Respecting the Inspiring Veterans of Araw ng Kagitingan

“Most veterans living today were just a teenager forced to fight in the war and fight for our freedom. If you know something, you’re lucky. Do not forget to thank these war veterans.” 

Araw ng kagitingan, or the Day of Valor, is a holiday in the Philippines that honors the bravery displayed by American and Filipino soldiers at the Battle of Bataan. More specifically, it honors the famous Bataan Death March that started on April 9, 1942, when Japanese forces captured Bataan. Even so, it is also celebrated because of how they were amazing heroes to fight the country when the Japanese occupied the Philippines in World War II. And this holiday was renamed in 1987 to pay tribute to those who defended Bataan, Corregidor, and Bessang, since it was called Bataan Day. This holiday is a public holiday; it is non-working for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed, like there are no classes, offices, and so on.

And this year, it celebrated the 82nd anniversary of the Araw ng Kagitingan. The important event of this day takes place at the Mt. Samat Shrine, preserving the valor and sacrifice displayed by American and Filipino soldiers throughout World War II in Bataan. However, are you wondering why we are still preserving April 9 as “araw ng kagitingan," also known as the Day of Valor?

Well, this day is very special in the history of the Philippines in every different way. April 9 serves as a reminder of the tenacity and unwavering spirit of the people who battled the country's invaders on their land. The araw ng kagitingan has historical significance in our country because of the heroism and sacrifices exhibited by the soldiers who fought for the country's freedom and the citizens.

It is also a source of pride in our country because it inspires a lot of people today and in the future. Remembering this day highlights resilience, determination, heroism, patriotism, and more that define our Filipino spirit. That may conquer a lot of people once they know about this history that may apply to themselves.

This day can also serve as a means of educating others on the significance of World War II in Philippine history. Students who study this history will have a better understanding of the value of democracy and freedom as well as the costs associated with defending these ideals. They must come to the realization that in order to improve our nation and make it better than it was, they must possess these qualities.

Moreover, the Araw ng Kagitingan is a way that we can remember the veterans and how they fought and sacrificed themselves for our country. This day ensures that we shouldn't forget to remember, and we need to commemorate this day since their legacy shouldn't be lost. People need to show respect to the veterans who gave their lives for the protection of the nation.

Overall, Araw ng Kagitingan, or the Day of Valor, is a very important day that people may use to understand deeply about Philippine history. It serves as a reminder for us that many people tried their best and fought for our country’s freedom so that we could live a proper life as Filipinos. It also promotes a lot of things, including patriotism, unity, democracy, and many more. This day ensures that the people who have given their lives and the important events are not forgotten.

You're so lucky today because you’re not forced to fight in the war and fight for our freedom, so please be grateful to the veterans and don’t forget to thank them!

References

Wikipedia. Day of Valor. Retrieved from

Day of Valor - Wikipedia

Berto. Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor). April 9, 2019 

            Araw Ng Kagitingan (Day Of Valor) - The Philippines Today

Timeanddate. The Day of Valor 2024 in Philippines. Retrieved from

The Day of Valor 2024 in Philippines (timeanddate.com)            

FilWeb Asia, Inc.. Araw ng Kagitingan. Retrieved from

            11ba3a74ca57eda275e69163fe7eb6d6.jpg (736×736) (pinimg.com)

Depositphotos. Conqueror with a flag. Retrieved from

Conqueror with a flag — Stock Photo © VGeorgiev #142503309 (depositphotos.com)

Moonsaint. Raise your flag. Retrieved from

            5f21a4689c66c73b812f464ffce028b6.jpg (750×1008) (pinimg.com)

The Manila Times. NHCP commemorates 82nd Araw ng Kagitingan. Retrieved from

NHCP commemorates 82nd Araw ng Kagitingan (msn.com)