April 9, The Day of Valor, also known as “Araw ng Kagitingan," is a holiday that commemorates the heroism of Filipinos and American soldiers when the Japanese occupied the Philippines during World War II.
Major General Edward P. King, of the United States Army, was forced to surrender more than 76,000 Filipinos, Chinese, and American soldiers to the Japanese at dawn on April 9, 1942. The soldiers were forced to take a 90-mile (about 145 kilometers) hike to Camp O’Donnell in San Fernando. Thousands of prisoners died during the hike (also known as the Bataan Death March) due to starvation, dehydration, and diseases before they could reach the camp.
In 1961, April 9th was declared Bataan Day. In 1987, it was officially renamed 'Araw Ng Kagitingan' (Day of Valor) to pay tribute to those who defended Bataan, Corregidor, and Bessang. Since 2007, the holiday has been designated to be observed on the Monday nearest April 9th, but since 2009, a yearly presidential decree has meant it is observed on April 9th.
We celebrate the Day of Valor to pay tribute and honor the remarkable bravery and sacrifice of Filipino soldiers who fought during World War II. The sacrifices that the Filipino soldiers made show heroism and bravery in the face of adversity.
References:
https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/philippines/araw-ng-kagitingan
https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/philippines/the-day-of-valor
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171874
https://candelaria.gov.ph/araw-ng-kagitingan-2023/
https://www.lumina.com.ph/news-and-blogs/blogs/why-do-we-celebrate-araw-ng-kagitingan-in-the-philippines/
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