Bataan Day or Araw ng Kagitingan is the Day of Valor in the Philippines. This is a national observance and is celebrated to commemorate the greatness and bravery of the Filipino and American soldiers during the World War II.
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Bataan Day 2015
Bataan Day or Araw ng Kagitingan is an annual event which is celebrated on April 9. By 2015, this Day of Valor will be celebrated as usual on April 9 (Thursday). 2015 marks the 73rd anniversary of the fall of Bataan.
What is Bataan Day?
Bataan Day or Araw ng Kagitingan is celebrated to commemorate the fall of Bataan during the World War II. Also, on this day, we give tribute to the bravery of the American and Filipino fighters who fought during the Bataan WW II.
Main Attractions – Bataan Day
We celebrate this day with a procession which is consisted of the numerous veterans of World War II. This event takes place in different cities in the Philippines. However, the main highlight of this occasion is when the President gives a speech in Bataan to give tribute to the heroism of the Filipino and American soldiers of Bataan WWII.
History of Bataan War
At Dawn of April 9, 1942, Major General Edward King was forced to surrender over 76,000 soldiers (which are comprised of Filipino, American and Chinese soldiers) to the Japanese army. Also, they were forced to take a 90 mile hike to Camp O’Donell in San Fernando, Pampanga. Many of these men died during the hike.
In spite of these trials, the captured soldiers stood strong and heroes emerged during this event. Eventually, the American and Filipino forces regained Bataan Peninsula in February 8, 1945.
On November 26, 1980, Araw ng Kagitingan was proclaimed as national holiday to honor the people who helped bring democracy to our country. In June 1987, they proclaimed April 9 as Araw ng Kagitingan to pay tribute to the heroes of Bataan.
Interesting Information on Bataan Day
During the World War II, there were approximately 78,000 soldiers who were stationed in Bataan. Among them are 12,000 American soldiers and 66,000 Filipinos who were poorly trained and inexperienced. Sadly, these men were thrown to the frontline to battle against the highly trained Japanese soldiers.
The Death March was a series of marches which lasted around 5 to 9 days. Around 24,000 men died during this march. Many of the soldiers died due to heat exhaustion and dehydration. Those who stopped to ask for water and accepted food were killed on the spot.
Recommendations
Public Holiday: Please take note that Bataan Day is considered as a holiday. During this day, all government offices are closed.
Heavy traffic: With the programs and activities scheduled on this day, some roads might be closed and shall be used for the program. So, if you have an important appointment on this day, better look for an alternative road and leave early to arrive in time.
Useful Information
Date: Bataan Day is an annual event which is celebrated on April 9. By 2015 , it will be celebrated as expected on April 9, a Thursday.
Location: Nationwide. This event is celebrated within the whole country.
Fee: None