War veterans, COVID-19 frontliners, OFWs honored on Araw ng Kagitingan

World War II veterans, COVID-19 frontliners and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were honored as the Philippines commemorated Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Saturday.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana paid tribute to the soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives to defend the country’s freedom.

“Let us take to heart their feats as ordinary Filipinos who fought and rose to the occasion during the extraordinary times they live in. May the patriotic flame that burned in their hearts also continue to burn bright in us and the future generations of Filipinos,” he said in a statement.

House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco recognized "modern-day heroes such as our dedicated COVID-19 frontliners, our hard working overseas Filipino workers, and our valiant soldiers."

“We can’t thank them enough for their selfless acts and sacrifices for the greater good,” he said.

According to Vice President Leni Robredo, history should continue to guide the country's path.

“Ginugunita at binibigyang-pugay natin ang mga Pilipinong nagpakita ng tapang sa panahon ng kagipitan – mga humarap sa malaki at malakas na kalaban, pumalag at napilitang magbaba ng armas ngunit di kailanman binitawan ang pag-asa: Na sa kabila ng kadiliman may liwanag na nag-aabang. Kailangan lang magsikap at magtiwala,” Robredo said.

(We pay tribute to the Filipinos who showed courage in times of crisis-those who faced a large and powerful enemy, resisted and were forced to lay down their arms but never gave up hope that, despite the darkness, there was light waiting. You just have to work hard and have faith.)

“Nawa’y patuloy na tanglawan ng katotohanan ng kasaysayan ang landas ng ating bansa,” she added.

(May history's truth continue to illuminate our country's path.)

The Day of Valor is a national holiday in the Philippines that honors the bravery of Filipino soldiers who fought alongside American forces against Japanese invaders during World War II.

More than 80,000 Filipino and American surrenderees became part of the tragic Death March, where the Japanese forced them to walk 100 kilometers from Mariveles, Bataan, to San Fernando, Pampanga, in April 1942. 

When they reached their destination, they were made to ride small wagons that brought them to Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.

More than 20,000 people were estimated to have died during Death March.

In 1945, the Philippines was liberated from Japanese rule. —VBL, GMA News