ARAW NG KAGITINGAN, ATING ALAMIN!

     Araw ng Kagitingan, or Day of Valor, is an important day in the Philippines, that is celebrated every April 9th. It's a time to remember and honor the bravery of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II, especially during the Battle of Bataan. It is celebrated to show the appreciation of Filipinos to the Filipino and American soldiers who fought bravely against Japanese forces to protect Bataan Peninsula. During this battle, they faced many challenges like shortages of food and weapons, but they never gave up. 

    According to my research, since I don't have that much knowledge about Araw ng Kagitingan. The story of the Fall of Bataan remains a devastating tale. It is not a story ripped from fiction books but a tragedy engraved in the dark pages of history. The Day of Valour, also known as the Araw ng Kagitingan, commemorates the Filipino and American soldiers who stood up against Japanese forces during World War II. On 9 April 1942, Luzon Force, Bataan commander Major General Edward P King, Jr, surrendered more than 76,000 of his starving and disease-ridden troops (64,000 Filipinos and 12,000 Americans) to Japan. As captives, the soldiers were forced to endure the infamous 140-kilometre Bataan Death March to Camp O'Donnell in Capas, Tarlac. Along the way, thousands died due to famine, heat prostration, untreated wounds, and wanton or execution-style murder. Historians believe that only 54,000 of the 76,000 prisoners were able to reach Camp O'Donnell. The exact number of deaths and escapees was difficult to assess. (Jove Moya, 2024)

    However, despite their bravery, they couldn't hold out against the Japanese, and Bataan fell on April 9, 1942.  After the fall, a terrible event called the Bataan Death March happened. Thousands of Filipino and American soldiers were made to walk long distances under harsh conditions by their captors, leading to many deaths due to starvation, thirst, and mistreatment. Araw ng Kagitingan is a day to honor the memory of these soldiers who fought and died during the Battle of Bataan and the following hardships. It's also a time to recognize the resilience of those who survived and the families who supported them. This day reminds us of the sacrifices made for the Philippines' freedom and encourages us to value courage, unity, and freedom.

RESOURCES/REFERENCES:

Moya, J. (2024, April 8). Do you know why we remember ‘Araw Ng Kagitingan’? Tatler Asia. https://www.tatlerasia.com/lifestyle/arts/heres-everything-that-happened-on-araw-ng-kagitingan

(2024). Baguioheraldexpressonline.com. https://baguioheraldexpressonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Tabuk-commemorates-Araw-ng-Kagitingan-jpg.webp

(2024). Blogspot.com. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29JC5sbwBo3isp3HhcJ2sOtTkCUQTq1CeukUPD0So3ShFis3-M0FhySJMAn6onbg5_Aa_iqR3_bX4TxR9AKBqBTTUs2V0Ssm5dxB2kMvBgMNVu5HA7As6WSGM-x5Pwd2WBeLHHZen6b0/s1080/20210409_093133.jpg

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