The Battle of Bataan (7th of January 1942–9th of April 1942) took place between American and Philippine troops against Japanese troops during World War II. This battle is considered the most intense part of the Japanese invasion of the Philippines during World War II. In January 1942, Imperial Japanese Army forces occupied Luzon along with other Philippine islands, after Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Although Manila was then declared an “open city” so as not to be much affected by the war the Japanese still dropped bombs on it. The capital fell completely to Japan in January 1942.
It is not a celebration to commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan or the Day of Valor if not to remember the courage of the Filipinos who fought and gave their lives for the people even though the country's defense at the Corregidor in Bataan "collapsed" on April 9, 1942. This happened during the second world war and Japan wanted to occupy America's allies, including the Philippines. To prevent Japanese soldiers from entering Manila immediately, the country set up a strong defense in Corregidor, accompanied by Filipino and American soldiers.
Day of Valor isn’t just a nationwide regular holiday --- it is one of those special days that brings back to life the stories of gallant Filipinos who fought for the country’s freedom during World War II. Amid the unsparing battles happening throughout WWII (1938 to 1945), the Philippines was the last country among the Southeast Asian nations that surrendered to the Japanese forces. While invaders occupied countries such as Singapore, British Malaya (Malaysia), and the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia), the campaign for the Philippines was the longest to take place. Filipino and allied American troops kept resistance against the Japanese invaders not until April 9, 1942, when the forces officially surrendered, marking the historical day of the Fall of Bataan.
The world will long remember the epic struggle that Filipino and American soldiers put up in the jungle fastness and along the rugged coast of Bataan. They have stood up uncomplaining under the constant and grueling fire of the enemy for more than three months. Besieged on land and blockaded by sea, cut off from all sources of help in the Philippines and in America, the intrepid fighters have done all that human endurance could bear,” this was the message delivered by Third Lieutenant Normando Ildefonso Reyes, as written by Captain Salvador Lopez, through the Voice of Freedom Radio Broadcast following the unfaithful announcement: “Bataan has fallen”.
For the Bataan and Corregidor Defenders and their descendants, memories of the battle may be too painful to remember; a father was lost, a brother suffered, and a comrade was killed. But these memories are now written in history as a true testament to the Filipino forces’ bravery in the face of strong opponents and all odds.
Remembering the Fall of Bataan is not just an event to look back on history and recall what happened that day. Araw ng Kagitingan is a day to honor the nation’s heroes and recognize their sacrifices for the sake of the freedom Filipinos enjoy today. Letting their stories of dedication, gallantry, and love for the country be written not only in history books but also in the hearts of every Filipinos, continuously inspiring them to take a brave step forward when challenges of the country come.
Sources:
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/balitambayan/talakayan/783136/bakit-mahalagang-gunitain-ang-araw-ng-kagitingan-na-araw-din-ng-fall-of-bataan/story/
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