Day of Valor: President Marcos Urges Filipinos to Honour WWII Heroes

Photo: PhilStar

As the Philippines commemorates the 83rd anniversary of Araw ng Kagitingan, or the Day of Valor, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has urged Filipinos to honour World War II veterans through acts that reflect "genuine service and self-offering to the nation." The day marks the historic surrender of more than 76,000 Filipino and American troops in Bataan to Japanese forces, leading to the infamous Bataan Death March.

In his message, President Marcos hailed the defenders of Bataan as enduring icons of Filipino bravery. "On this day, we celebrate the valiant heroes of the defense of Bataan, and all Filipinos who showed acts of unwavering courage and patriotism during the Second World War," he said, encouraging current generations to draw inspiration from their sacrifice to guide national development.

Marcos highlighted the importance of extending the concept of valor beyond wartime heroics, emphasizing "small acts of compassion, generosity, and kindness" that lead to significant change within communities. "Through acts of genuine service and self-offering to the nation, we can prove that we are not only made of the same noble stock as our noteworthy ancestors but also the rightful heirs of their heroic legacy," he stated.

Connecting this historical act of bravery to his administration's vision, Marcos urged citizens to become "faithful successors of their struggle to build a strong, secure, and prosperous Bagong Pilipinas."

Echoing the sentiments, Vice President Sara Duterte called the Battle of Bataan a significant historical event that illustrates the resilience and courage of Filipinos against oppression. She urged the nation to honour these memories by striving to create a future that ensures such suffering is never repeated.

This year's commemoration serves as a powerful reminder of the nation's history, inspiring Filipinos to preserve and build upon the heroic legacy left by their forebears, reported PhilStar.