THE DAY OF VALOR 

We all live at numerous crossroads, fear and valor being one of them, and when we choose valor, we strengthen ourselves even more, making the choice easier each time. This is how we grow into brave people whose stories are told and retold. A hero who has dedicated his or her life to a cause larger than themselves. A country at work, a community that cares. Always remember and never forget. The Day of Valor, also known as Araw ng Kagitingan, honors the valor of Filipinos and American soldiers during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II. Major General Edward P. King of the US Army was compelled to surrender over 76,000 Filipinos, Chinese, and American soldiers to the Japanese on April 9, 1942. To get to Camp O'Donnell in San Fernando, the soldiers had to travel 90 miles (145 kilometers). Thousands of convicts died during the journey (also known as the Bataan Death March) as a result of starvation, thirst, and infections.

The captured soldiers remained resolute in the face of defeat, and heroes developed from the experience. The surrender of Bataan facilitated the collapse of Corregidor. The Japanese, on the other hand, would have quickly overrun all US bases in the Pacific if they hadn't taken this stance. Bataan forced them to come to a halt, giving the allies valuable time to prepare for upcoming battles like the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway. The Bataan peninsula was retaken by American and Filipino liberation troops on February 8, 1945. They faced huge challenges and endured hunger and thirst. They marched for several hundred kilometers after the fall of Bataan. We can all see how much they suffer, almost to death, yet they channel their rage into a good purpose, ensuring that the brave and empathic version of themselves leads them to victory.

The Day of Valor was a national holiday until November 26, 1980, when the Philippine government issued Letter of Instruction No. 1087 declaring "Araw ng Kagitingan" a national public holiday to honor those who helped bring democracy and independence to the Philippines during World War II. April 9 was also named as "Araw Ng Kagitingan" by Executive Order No. 203, issued June 30, 1987, to remember the heroes of Bataan, Corregidor, and Bessang. With this year's theme "Kagitingan ay Gawing Gabay, Pandemya ay Mapagtatagumpayan," the week-long commemoration of the Day of Valor was not only a grateful and meaningful time to acknowledge and promote the deeds of Filipino War veterans, not only those who sacrificed their lives, but also those who rendered honorable military service in defending our country to its limits, but it also serves as a reminder that, despite all odds, our We must never forget that the finest form of thankfulness is not to say words but to live by them when we show our gratitude. We should give importance the sacrifices of our heroes and Filipino's bravery should be celebrated. 

REFERENCES:

https://tinainmanila.com/2021/04/08/reminder-holiday-pay-for-araw-ng-kagitingan-april-9-friday/

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fdlsumafia%2Fstatus%2F1115464354860752897&psig=AOvVaw2hC5AqvjjWLhonwkcvDJYW&ust=1648346532748000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCLD0ya_n4vYCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAJ 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.britannica.com%2Fevent%2FBataan-Death-March&psig=AOvVaw3xhfpcxNUW9jHL9y9TJVdZ&ust=1648346472610000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCPCzkN7n4vYCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD