People of all ages, professions, and nationalities, flock to Mt. Samat, Pilar, Bataan for the annual commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) that is traditionally led by no less than the President of the Philippines.
The nation gathers at the Dambana ng Kagitingan or the Shrine of Valor, the historic spot which is considered as the alter of heroism in the country, in order to look back and pay tribute to the heroism of the Filipino and American veterans of World War II—soldiers who did not think twice about taking bullets for their country; soldiers who battled not just against their enemies, but against hunger, and the gruelling challenges of war; valiant soldiers who managed to hold onto hope in the midst of danger and uncertainty. Back then, and to this day, the Shrine of Valor stands as a symbol—not just of the courage they displayed, but of the depth of their sacrifice made in the name of their country and their countrymen.*
In addition to the tributes and commemorations being held to honor the nation’s defenders, the Araw ng Kagitingan usually serves as the venue for the President to address the veterans and their families and reaffirm the State’s commitment to care of them by announcing good news about their benefits and privileges.
Guided by the shining examples of Filipino veterans, the President exhorts the people to offer acts of selfless sacrifices for the nation to achieve meaningful change.
The ANK rites also underscores the participation of three nations – Philippines, the USA and Japan who were once in conflict with each other but are now allies in pursuing peace, stability, and progress, a fitting testament that the best defense against misunderstanding is close cooperation, exchange, and adherence and upholding of international law
