Philippines have a very rich history about the Filipino’s battle for freedom and sovereignty from several intruders that has emanated in this country. Filipinos remember their heroism and martyrdom that has brought unity and love for their country. The Day of Valor is one of the significant observances being remembered in the Philippines every year.
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When is the Day of Valor 2015
Day of Valor 2015 is celebrated on Thursday, 9th of April.
Day of Valor is always observed on April 9.
Origin of Day of Valor
The Day of Valor is a special non-working holiday celebrated in the Philippines and even in some parts of the United States every year.
The Day of Valor is also known as “Araw ng Kagitingan” which commemorates the bravery and great courage of Filipino and American soldiers and their sacrifices when the Japanese invaded the Philippines during World War II. It is also a special day that memorializes the fall of Bataan peninsula into the hands of the Japanese which is why it is also known as the “Bataan Day” or “Bataan and Corregidor Day.”
It was early morning of the 9th day of April, 1942 when Major General Edward P. King Jr. ignored orders from General Douglas MacArthur and was constrained and obliged to surrender more than 76,000 Filipino, Fil-Chinese and American soldiers to the Japanese due to deficiency in food supply, weaponries and medicines.
The Japanese on the other hand, overwhelmed and unprepared for the large number of prisoners had resolved to move and transfer them by foot and forced them to take a 140 kilometre/90 mile walk from Bataan to Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac which is famously known as “Bataan Death March.” In this trudge, many soldiers died along the way and dead bodies are scattered in the road because of dehydration, starvation, sickness, and exhaustion. Some soldiers who are severely wounded and can’t manage to walk anymore are left to die. Other thousands are haphazardly and inhumanely murdered along the way.
Out of more than 76,000 who surrendered, only 54,000 was able to make it to Camp O’Donnell but in a very dreadful and terrible condition. Some have escaped but about 10,000 lives were claimed dead in this tragic march.
Nationwide Commemoration on Day of Valor
Many parades are apprehended in different cities involving the Filipino veterans of World War II during the Day of Valor but the main event is organized in Mt. Samat Shrine in Bataan. The President of the Philippines together with other respected dignitaries often speak about honouring and giving high regard to the veterans of the war.
This vicious and horrible time during the war served as a reminder of perseverance, valor, audacity and the passion to lay down the lives of Filipinos and Americans even to the point of death. Remembering this day will surely shoot adrenaline to every Filipino to fight for his/her country’s sovereignty.
Day of Valor 2016
Day of Valor will take place on a Saturday, April 9.