Valour Day

The Day of Valour, 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 9^th 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-kilometre Bataan Death March to Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac. Along the way, thousands died due to famine, heat prostration, untreated wounds, and wanton or execution-style murder. Historians believe that only 54,000 of the 76,000 prisoners were able to reach Camp O’Donnell. The exact number of deaths and escapees was difficult to assess.

The Philippines’ surrender to Japan led to the world’s worst atrocities in modern warfare. The Japanese troops did not provide food and water to their captives; as a result, many soldiers became weaker and started to fall behind the group.

Those who fell behind were beaten and killed. Those who were not lucky enough were driven over by trucks and other army vehicles.

Celebrating “Araw ng Kagitingan” is really important. This is a tribute to all Filipino heroes who fought, sacrificed and died for the country’s freedom and liberty. The Day of Valor is an opportunity for Filipinos today, and for Filipinos tomorrow, to remember moments of our past, of strength and courage against overwhelming odds, and to call upon that strength once more if need be.

Reference:

https://ph.asiatatler.com/life/heres-everything-that-happened-on-araw-ng-kagitingan

Image retrieved from:

https://images.app.goo.gl/jZseaqHAjamgEYr58