Day of Valor

The Day of Valor, or Araw ng Kagitingan, is a national observance in the Philippines held every April 9. It commemorates the fall of Bataan and Corregidor during World War II, honoring the courage and sacrifice of Filipino and American soldiers.

• Held every April 9 in the Philippines
• Main ceremony at Mount Samat National Shrine, Bataan
• Commemorates the Bataan Death March and World War II veterans
• Also observed in Maywood, Illinois, USA
• Part of Philippine Veterans Week

What it is

The Day of Valor is a solemn national holiday in the Philippines that pays tribute to the soldiers who defended Bataan and Corregidor during World War II. It marks the anniversary of the fall of Bataan, a pivotal moment when thousands of Filipino and American troops were captured by Japanese forces. The day serves as a reminder of the hardships endured during the Bataan Death March and the resilience shown by those who survived. For many Filipinos, it is a time to reflect on the cost of freedom and the enduring spirit of those who fought for their country.

Where it comes from

The observance began in 1961 when April 9 was declared 'Bataan Day' by Philippine law, later renamed 'Araw ng Kagitingan' or Day of Valor. The date recalls the surrender of over 76,000 Filipino and American soldiers in 1942, leading to the infamous Bataan Death March. Over the years, the holiday's name and date have shifted, reflecting changes in government policy and the desire to honor not just Bataan but also Corregidor and other sites of resistance. The day has always centered on remembering the sacrifices of World War II veterans.

How it is celebrated

The main commemoration takes place at the Mount Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan, where government officials, foreign diplomats, and veterans gather. The President of the Philippines often leads a wreath-laying ceremony, joined by representatives from the United States and Japan. The event is part of Philippine Veterans Week, which honors all Filipino war veterans. Attendees listen to speeches, pay respects to the fallen, and reflect on the legacy of those who endured the Bataan Death March. In the United States, Maywood, Illinois, and Honolulu, Hawaii, hold their own memorials, recognizing the shared history and sacrifice.

Joining in

Visitors can attend the main ceremonies at Mount Samat National Shrine in Bataan, where the atmosphere is respectful and reflective. Expect to see veterans, military personnel, and families gathering to honor the memory of the defenders. The event is open to the public, and guests are encouraged to observe moments of silence and join in the wreath-laying. In Maywood, Illinois, a separate commemoration is held in September, focusing on the local soldiers who served in Bataan.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Day of Valor, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Day of Valor on WikipediaEncyclopedia
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• Wikidata recordOpen data

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