Day of Valor is a public holiday in the Philippines every 9 April to
commemorate the fall of the Bataan peninsula during World War II. In
2018, the holiday falls on a Monday.
The Bataan peninsula fell after months of fighting between the
Philippine and American armies and the invading Japanese. The united
Philippine-US army, depleted of food, medicine and ammunition, was
forced to surrender to the Japanese on 9 April, 1942. The now prisoners
of war consisted of 68,000 Filipinos and 11,796 Americans. The Japanese,
unprepared for the large number of prisoners, decided to move them by
foot from Bataan to another base located 140 kilometres away in San
Fernando.
On this forced trek, known as the “Death March of Bataan”, many
prisoners died due to starvation, disease, dehydration and exhaustion on
their way to San Fernando. Many prisoners were also murdered along the
way. However, the prolonged defense of the Bataan peninsula hindered the
Japanese army’s progress, enabling the Filipino and US forces to
prepare for subsequent battles and ultimately win the war against the
Japanese.
This gruesome period during the war is used as a reminder of the courage
tenacity and willingness to sacrifice to the point of death by the
Philippine and American forces. It also is a day to remember Filipinos
who continue to fight for freedom on behalf of the Philippines.
Many parades are held involving World War II veterans in different
cities. The main event is held at the Mt Samat Shrine in Pilár, Bataan
where the President of the Philippines and other dignitaries give
speeches honouring the country’s veterans.
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Philippine Holidays
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