Bravery
and
Endurance
for
Our
Native Land
On the morning of April 9, 1942, following more than 3 months of intense battle and no hopes of reinforcements, the Philippine-American troops on the Bataan Peninsula of the Philippines surrendered to the Japanese. Bataan has fallen. The troops on this war-ravaged and bloodstained peninsula have laid down their arms. With heads bloody but unbowed, they have yielded to the superior force and numbers of the enemy. The captured American and Filipino men were then subjected to the Bataan Death March, a torturous march of more than 65 miles in which thousands of troops died due to starvation, dehydration, and gratuitous violence. Thousands more would die in prisoner of war camps before they were liberated three years later. April 9, the Day of Valor officially known as Araw ng Kagitingan became a national holiday in the Philippines which commemorates the fall of Bataan, an important event in Filipino history.
The Day of Valor or "Araw ng Kagitingan" honors the great sacrifice and bravery of the 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. Moreover, the celebration of this day is not just remembering the acts of courage exhibited by the soldiers but also commemorating the intangible virtues drawn by the men who fought against the invading Japanese. They fought with all their might and stood bravely without complaining under the attacks of the enemy for more than three months. They fought with determination against the incessant battle for their love of our native land, for freedom, dignity, and pride. They demonstrated courage and unconquerable faith to fight for our country. They endured all the hardships and struggles even though they knew that they were blocked from all sources of help. However, despite their unshakable faith and bravery, our countrymen are not made of unbreakable steel and the battle must end to save the lives of the remaining Filipino soldiers. Bataan has fallen but the strong spirit and love of liberty can’t fall.
The Day of Valor or Araw ng Kagitingan celebration is for every one of us to remind ourselves of the bravery and sacrifice of our countrymen to fight and protect our country. This should serve as our inspiration to be strong and faithful to our native land. Let us promote peace among us Filipinos and always be ready to serve, develop, and protect our country. Let us practice the good values and dedication of our countrymen for the good of our country. Let’s remember always that the success of our country depends upon us Filipinos.
Alchetron. "Battle of Corregidor." retrieved from:https://alchetron.com/Battle-of-Corregidor
Comments
Post a Comment