As we celebrate Araw ng Kagitingan today, April 9, we will again track the nostalgic and well-remembered path of our heroes of yesteryears who fought for freedom, democracy and peace of our beloved country. Despite unbearable difficulties and insuperable forces, they have their heroism and gallantry.
Going back to our history, more than 76,000 Filipinos, Chinese and American soldiers forced to surrender to the Japanese at the dawn on April 9, 1942. Our soldiers were forced to take the 90-mile hike, the Bataan Death March to Camp O’Donnell in San Fernando. Thousands of prisoners died due to starvation, dehydration and unfitness before they could reach the camp. But the world will long remember the epic struggle that the Filipino and American soldiers put-up as they stood uncomplaining under the grueling and constant fire of the enemy.
Despite the trials and defeat, the captured soldiers stood strong and heroes emerged from the event. The surrender of Bataan hastened the fall of Corregidor. Our soldiers did all that the human endurance could bear. They were sustained by the force that was more than merely physical. It was an unconquerable faith that they have in the heart and soul and a belief that international differences can be resolved peacefully and not by means of war.
What holds most dear to our heroes those dark times was the thought of our native land, the thought of freedom and dignity and the thought of prosperity for every Filipino. Bataan has fallen but an aspiration of the freedom-loving citizens became the spirit that made it stand.
Hence, as a freedom-loving citizen, I salute our soldiers who zealously defend our country against foreign aggression and who has shown an exemplar of Filipino valor. Let us honor those who sacrificed for the defense of our democracy and freedom.
We must not forget the sacrifice waged and blood spilled that our heroes shred for our freedom, democracy and peace. Let us not forget what they fought and died for. In our hands lies the legacy to continue restoring peace and freedom to our beloved country through the essence of democratic ideals and patriotism.