Day of Valor

        Philippines have a long history of wars and being conquered. Endless battles and wars that led to immeasurable destruction and countless death. Wars are filled with despair and unending darkness and sufferings, a truly terrifying event where humans of different ideals fight to the death against each other just like historical battle of Bataan, where many people met their gruesome and agonizing deaths, a historical that should never happen again. 

       In every war, there is always victors but that also means that there are those who suffers major defeat, who is a stronger army is what decides the outcome. Results of wars are always death and destruction, both sides takes casualties. War is a survival of the fittest. Thousands, millions of innocent lives are wasted for the sake of domination. In a war, death is a part of their every day lives, they are prepared and willing to give their lives for the sake of winning. Thousands of lives were taken during the battle of Bataan and we were overwhelmed  to the point where we already don’t have a choice but to withdraw and surrender to the Japanese empire. The Fall of Bataan is a truly tragic history, many of our ancestors showed bravery and heroism to save the remaining lives despite becoming prisoners of war. 

       Araw ng Kagitingan is held every year in the Philippines to commemorate and honor the Filipinos and Americans that battled the mighty Japanese empire during the World War II. It is considered as an official regulated nationwide holiday that is celebrated every 9th of April to honor the bravery and heroism of the soldiers that sacrificed and sought to get rid of the Japanese forces from Bataan. This holiday, we express our gratitude towards all the soldiers and military that continues on serving honorably  and protecting our country. 

       Let’s not forget all the heroism and bravery our ancestors have shown despite facing the monstrous Japanese army, they continued to fight till their last breath to reclaim what is ours. Let’s hope that wars should never happen again and wish for peace and unity to come. War is not an answer to anything and will never be. Through the whole history, many wars were fought, many lives were taken, for the day to come where we can be in a mutual understanding and unite as a whole world. Maligayang Araw ng Kagitingan! 

Photo credits:

Image 1: https://twitter.com/jntexpressph/status/1248037912312193024

Image 2: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/01/17/1985584/wage-commission-triple-pay-workers-april-9-double-holiday/amp/