A Day to Commemorate and Celebrate the Veterans' Greatness

By Sophia Micaella Hermoso, April 2023

April 9, 1942, marks an event wherein we commemorate the heroism of Filipinos and
American Soldiers when the Japanese occupied the Philippines during World War II. Every year since
then, we are not just reminding ourselves of the acts of courage exhibited by the defenders of Bataan
and Corregidor. What we are commemorating is the fortitude of the men who fought against the
invading Japanese. We honor not just the quantitative, but the intangible virtues drawn upon in times
of struggle.

It isn't just a holiday but rather a day to remember the liberty that we are experiencing right now.
Several of our countrymen were captured because of the Japanese invasion during World War II,
which was a long time ago. Many Filipinos, particularly war victims and their families, have never had
it easy during those times. It can still be remembered that We commemorate the fallen heroes of the
Bataan Death March, eighty-one years ago.

On 9 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-kilometer 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. It wasn't an easy battle for the Filipinos as they lack supplies that
were needed for the war, but they still managed to do it so. Many people have been heartbroken, and
many have believed that our land's sovereignty will be lost because of the invaders' brutality. Yet
there is our armed force that has stood up for our country's liberty. And let us pause for a moment to
reflect on how they have truly contributed to the freedom that we are experiencing.

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. The celebration is held at the Mt. Samat Shrine. Veterans from World
War II will parade in numerous places around the Philippines to commemorate the occasion. Today,
the theme of the celebration will be "Kagitingan ng mga Beterano, Pundasyon ng Nagkakaisang
Pilipino". As we thrive for unity here in our country, the bravery of the veterans serves as a key
foundation for achieving this. There is a problem here in our country wherein there is a lack of
appreciation behind it. Instead of commemorating the event, we just appreciate the holiday and the
long weekends that we will be having. Those who cannot remember are doomed to repeat the past.
We should always be reminded to remember the mistakes from the past so that we won't experience
another misery in the present, just like in the last election.

We Filipinos fight until we are no longer able to do so. We will take every chance to defend our
country. The tragedy of the Bataan taught us to be more prepared and more aware of what is
happening in our surroundings. We can always do much better and we can be reminded that our
bravery cannot be restricted to defending our territory against foreign invasion. The aim of the Day of
valor is for every Filipino to understand who we are, what we have been capable of in the past, what
ideals we hold most dear today, and what we must do to defend them forever.