EDITORIAL - Honoring valor

Each year their numbers dwindle, but a grateful nation is keeping alive the memory of their valor. Today, 77 years after the heroic resistance to foreign invaders ended with the Fall of Bataan, those who fought and died in Corregidor or were marched off to Capas in Tarlac are being honored again.

Araw ng Kagitingan, the Day of Valor, is marked by the country side by side with its treaty ally the United States, whose soldiers also died or endured the Death March in defense of the Philippines. The event is also commemorated together with the two countries’ former enemy Japan, which has renounced war in its pacifist constitution and is now the largest provider of official development assistance to the Philippines.

War brings out courage and heroism. Sadly, over seven decades after the end of World War II, the Philippines continues to grapple with internal armed conflict, compelling state forces to put their lives on the line in fighting those who threaten national security. These men and women of the uniformed services are also being honored today, for their brave service to the country.

As important as honoring them is promoting the welfare of those who have served, and the heirs of those who gave their lives for the country. President Duterte has done much since assuming power to correct this, but others can also do their part.

Limited funding is not the only reason why Filipino war veterans do not get the same special privileges that their counterparts in other countries enjoy. There are still sectors of society that regard state forces chiefly as cannon fodder, with no thought about the sacrifice and love of country that are intrinsic to their mission. Araw ng Kagitingan honors these heroes, ensuring that their sacrifice will not be forgotten.