Filipino guerrillas during World War II are shown with a female commander in one of the photos from the Guerrilla Unit Recognition Files in the US National Archives’ Philippine Archives Collection.
Present and future soldiers should emulate the deeds of World War II heroes, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday, the Day of Valor (Araw ng Kagitingan).
“Let us continue to celebrate and commemorate the valor and gallantry of our World War II Veterans. Let us perpetuate the memory of their deeds to be emulated by future generations of Filipinos,” he said in a statement.
April 9, the Day of Valor, marks the commemoration of the Fall of Bataan in 1942, and the recognition for the bravery of Filipino and American soldiers against the invading Japanese forces.
“Let us honor those who are still with us for pretty soon they will be all gone,” Lorenzana said.
Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson, said the Fall of Bataan marked “the determination of Filipinos to stand against overwhelming odds.”
The AFP, he said. “joins the nation in commemorating the day of valor and salute all the soldiers who valiantly defended our country from foreign occupation in the last world war.”
He also recognize the “courage and selfless service” of soldiers in recent events against terrorists and violent extremists.
“The deeds of heroism and ideals of our world war veterans will always be inculcated in the minds of our current soldiers who exhibit in their own actions the same fervor and willingness to defend our country and our people,” Datuin said. /atm