EDITORIAL - Days of courage

For several decades April 9 was known as Bataan Day, which tended to focus on the fall of Bataan to Japanese invasion forces in 1942. Now Filipinos are finally shifting focus to what truly deserves remembering on that day: The courage of the thousands of soldiers who, though hungry, tired and ailing, put up a brave defense of their beloved country. This Day of Valor, Araw ng Kagitingan, also ho-nors the 76,000 defenders of Bataan who were forced by the occupation forces to walk non-stop from Mariveles to Capas in Tarlac. Because thousands fell dead from wounds, fatigue, hunger and thirst, it came to be known as the Death March.

The theme of this year’s commemoration gives emphasis to courage as a foundation for stability, progress and peace – three things the country sorely needs. Each time the nation remembers the heroes of the war and the revolution against Spain, we wonder if there are still enough Filipinos willing to risk their lives for their country. Today we once again honor those who actually fought in the last world war as well as the heirs of the veterans who have died.

War provides many opportunities for bravery and manifestations of nationalistic fervor. In times of peace there are other ways of displaying courage for love of country. Such cou-rage was manifested in the long fight against the Marcos dictatorship, when people faced down the awesome power of the state. By February 1986 the spirit had spread, and millions of Filipinos stopped tanks on EDSA. In a feat that many thought impossible, a dictator was toppled by a peaceful revolt.

There was less drama in the latest manifestation of the EDSA spirit last January. Yet it was the same spirit of 1986 that guided those who flocked to EDSA this year to demand an end to a corrupt regime. This popular uprising is unfinished; courage and conviction are still needed for long-lasting reforms that can build the foundation for stability, progress and peace. For this we draw inspiration from the heroes of Bataan, whose courage did not waver even in the face of great adversity.