Day of Valor

 

                  This historic day marks the greatness of Filipino veterans and American allies who fought against the Japanese invasion in World War II. Thousands of lives were lost during this dark chapter in our history in defending the country’s freedom and sovereignty. The siege of Bataan was the first major land battle for the Americans in World War II and one of the most-devastating military defeats in American history. The force on Bataan, numbering some 76,000 Filipino and American troops, is the largest army under American command ever to surrender.

                Araw ng Kagitingan also known as Bataan Day and Bataan and Corregidor Day, is a national observance in the Philippines which commemorates the fall of Bataan during World War II. It falls on April 9, although in 2009, its celebration was moved to April 6 to avoid it from coinciding with Maundy Thursday. The “Fall of Bataan” serves as a constant symbol of the Filipinos’ bravery and patriotism. Now that we are treading the straight path, we are, little by little, seeing a future in which, though challenges may remain, we have the capacity to overcome them, and in so doing, to avoid passing them on to those that will follow us. This remains to be the spirit behind the efforts of various nations to forge our synergies and tread a single path towards the realization of our shared aspiration.

                Despite our differences, we live in and share a single world. The legitimate concern of one is a concern of all. This is the crossroads before us: Shall we help to solve problems while they are still small, or remain indifferent and face an even more formidable challenge in the future? I recall what my father said: If you allow others to trample upon the rights of your fellowmen, you have allowed the trampling of your own rights. Let me emphasize: This generation has the responsibility of maintaining peace, and of continuing the pursuit of widespread prosperity. This is the vow that the Philippines makes, not only for the victims of past wars and violence, but also for present and future generations of Filipinos, and for the rest of our brothers and sisters across the globe.