In this month of April, we commemorate the unsung heroes who fought on the Day of Valor. To know more, kindly read it here:
The Philippine country observes the Day of Valor, also known as Araw ng Kagitingan, which honors the Japanese army' capture of Bataan during World War II, this national observance falls every April 9 of every year, it was moved last 2009 to April 6 in order to not to coincide with Maundy Thursday during that year. After months of struggle between the Philippine and American soldiers and the invading Japanese, the Bataan peninsula succumbed. On April 9, 1942, the unified Philippine-US army was compelled to surrender to the Japanese due to a lack of food, medicine, and ammunition. There were 68,000 Filipinos and 11,796 Americans among the now-prisoners of war. Unprepared for the massive number of detainees, the Japanese opted to transport them by foot from Bataan to San Fernando, it is 140 kilometers away. Many inmates perished on their trip to San Fernando due to famine, sickness, dehydration, and weariness during this forced march, which became known as the "Death March of Bataan." Along the way, many detainees were assassinated. However, the Japanese army's march was slowed by the Filipino and US forces' extended defense of the Bataan peninsula, allowing the Filipino and US forces to prepare for future engagements and ultimately win the war against the Japanese. This harrowing era in the conflict serves as a reminder of the Philippine and American forces' bravery, tenacity, and readiness to die for their country. It is also a day to honor Filipinos who continue to battle for the country's freedom. Many parades honoring World War II veterans are staged in various cities. The primary ceremony takes place at the Mt Samat Shrine in Pilár, Bataan, when the President of the Philippines and other dignitaries honor the country's veterans with remarks.
Araw ng Kagitingan in observance as a national holiday gives the public a day off wherein most businesses and schools are closed for a day. Because it falls on a Saturday in 2022, some firms may choose to operate on Saturday hours. In our country, Day of Valor is a non-working holiday that wherein there are World War II veterans’ parade in various places around the country. During the Day of Valor, some streets will be closed, and public transportation routes may be rerouted to accommodate the parades. Even in a holiday malls and other location are open for business, where people could go and spend time with their families. The Day of Valor celebrates the bravery of Filipinos and American soldiers during World War II when the country was invaded. On April 9, 1942, the Major General, Mr. Edward P. King of the United States Army was compelled to surrender over 76,000 Filipinos, Chinese, and American soldiers to the Japanese. To get to Camp O'Donnell in San Fernando, the soldiers were forced to travel 90 miles (approximately 145 kilometers). In addition, countless inmates died from hunger, infections, and other inhumane scenarios before reaching the camp during the Bataan Death March. Despite the odds, the captive soldiers held their ground and emerged as heroes. Bataan's surrender expedited Corregidor's fall. However, if the Japanese had not taken this stance, they could have soon conquered all of the US outposts in the Pacific. In the occurrence of slowing down in bataan, this gave allies time of preparation for subsequent wars such as the and the Battle of Midway and Coral Sea. On February 8, 1945, the Bataan peninsula was retaken by American and Filipino liberation troops. On November 26, 1980, the government of the Philippine country issued Instruction Letter No. 1087 was made, declaring "Araw ng Kagitingan" a national public holiday to honor those who helped bring democracy and freedom to the Philippines during WWII. Executive Order No. 203 on June 30, 1987, issued and designating April 9 as "Araw Ng Kagitingan" which honors Bataan heroes, Corregidor, and Bessang. Araw ng Kagitingan is a national holiday in the Philippines, honored by parades in which many military veterans choose to participate. The most well-known commemoration takes place at Mt. Samat Shrine, where the president will deliver a speech honoring those who fought bravely. Memorials are conducted around the United States to honor the soldiers however the day is observed in September rather than April. In Maywood, Illinois it has a particular memorial since many young troops from this community served at Bataan.
BRIA Homes, one of the Philippines' premier housing developers, is poised to offer inexpensive house-and-lot packages and condominium apartments closer to average Filipino families. It is a real estate company that does not seek to profit, but rather to assist its customers in finding a house to call their own. The ultimate fulfillment for Bria as a whole is witnessing a client gladly move into one of Bria's homes. BRIA Homes also commemorates the Philippines' Day of Valor, a national event honoring veterans war hero, which you can commemorate in your own home. Some of you might ask how to celebrate the Day of Valor, well, children could compose a diary entry from a soldier who survived the Bataan March or build a fact file on the incident. Also, to honor the bravery of all those troops who fought and defended their nation, you may hang Filipino flags throughout the house, or you can also encourage your children to write letters of gratitude to World War II veterans or you may even arrange a one-minute silence during which youngsters are urged to reflect on the troops' sacrifices and bravery during their battle for our country. While the holiday commemorates a Japanese victory, the heroic defense of Bataan by those soldiers was regarded as the pivotal event in the war, as it allowed the allies to prepare for subsequent battles that halted Japanese progress in the Pacific, ultimately leading to a change of fortunes and allied victory. BRIA Homes is not just a place where you can buy your own home, but it is also place where you can seek comfort through quality homes, a place where you can also create memories with your growing family. So what are you waiting for, buy your own BRIA Home and get to enjoy countless holidays and special events.
written by Ednyl Joharah Amar
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