Day of Valor: Honor troops who died for freedom – VP Duterte

Vice President Sara Duterte (Photo from a video posted on her Facebook account)

Honor troops who died for freedom

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte urged Filipinos on Tuesday to remember the lessons of history as the Philippines celebrated Araw ng Kagitingan – Day of Valor.

In her message, Duterte said the Filipino troops who fought during the Second World War were prime examples of patriotism that all should seek to emulate.

READ: On Day of Valor, PH military asks Filipinos to unite vs threats

“They are unique examples of courage and love for one’s country. Their desire to defend the honor and integrity of our country in a time of war is an inspiration that we should imitate and cultivate. So let’s continue to nurture it in our hearts and focus on the lessons of our history,” Duterte said in Filipino.

Duterte said her office and the Department of Education, which she also heads, would teach Filipino children the importance of historical appreciation and the heroes who shed their blood for the country.

“Let us celebrate the Filipino veterans of the Second World War and give honor to taking a stand in the name of freedom,” she said.

READ: Senators honor Bataan defenders, modern heroes on Day of Valor

The Day of Valor, which is celebrated every April 9, aims to commemorate the soldiers who fought against Japanese troops who invaded the Philippines during World War II.

The day also coincides with the historic Fall of Bataan and the Death March that followed, where Filipino and American prisoners of war were made to walk by the Japanese Army from Mariveles in Bataan to San Fernando in Pampanga.

In San Fernando, they were transported by train to Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.