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. The story of the Fall of Bataan remains to be a devastating tale. But unlike The Shining or American Psycho, this is not a story ripped off of fiction books. It is a tragedy engraved in the dark pages of our history. It falls on April 9.
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-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. Under Republic Act 3022, the Day of Valour was officially a Filipino holiday, passed by Congress in 1961.
It is important to celebrate Araw ng Kagitingan and the Philippine Veteran's week because it serves as a tribute to all Filipino heroes who fought and died for the country's freedom and liberty. The celebration is yearly held at Corregidor Island to traditionally observe and honor the Philippine heroes, patriots, martyrs and defenders. We must remember that Araw ng Kagitingan is more than just a holiday, it is a celebration of courage.
https://ph.asiatatler.com/life/heres-everything-that-happened-on-araw-ng-kagitingan
https://www.8list.ph/araw-ng-kagitingan-is-more-than-just-a-holiday-its-a-celebration-of-courage/

Hello Grace, This blog is so informative about the Day of Valour. I loved how you simplified this topic yet made it meaningful. Great Job!
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