Bataan has fallen.
Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), April 9, the day Bataan fell into Japanese hands, was declared a national holiday in the Philippines. Previously called Bataan Day, the day is now known as Day of Valor or Araw ng Kagitingan, commemorating both the Fall of Bataan (April 9, 1942) and the Fall of Corregidor (May 6, 1942).
The capture of the Philippine Islands was crucial to Japan's effort to control the Southwest Pacific, seize the resource-rich Dutch East Indies, and protect its Southeast Asian flank. In late summer 1941, the Roosevelt Administration began a series of moves toward Japan that could only conclude with war. It began supplying arms to Chiang Kai-shek in China, began a massive military build-up in the Philippines, and imposed a series of embargoes, most importantly a refusal to sell Japan petroleum unless they evacuated all of China, including Manchukuo (Manchuria). This "ultimatum" was rejected by Japan and the fuse was lit. Araw ng Kagitingan does not only signify the bravery of our Filipino soldiers during the war. It also rekindles the spirit of patriotism in every Filipino, to be able to sacrifice and give back something for the country even in our small little ways. It could be an act of kindness for our fellowmen or our country as well. Being a magiting nowadays could also mean being socially aware of what is happening around and how one can contribute to others and for the nation too.Bataan may have fallen, but the spirit of patriotism had stood up. The kagitingan of the Filipinos who have fought will always be remembered.
REFERENCES:
https://pages.facebook.com/ArchersNetwork/photos/a.784143811667683/3871919622890071/
https://thestrategybridge.org/the-bridge/2018/4/10/the-battle-of-bataan-and-the-bataan-death-march
I definitely agree that the bravery and patriotism of the Filipinos who fought will always be remembered. Keep up the good work.
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