Valor Day Celebration in the New Normal
Valor Day Celebration in the New Normal
Araw ng Kagitingan or The Day of Valor is an official regular holiday in the Philippines that is usually celebrated on April 9 every year. It is also known as “Bataan day” or “Bataan and Corregidor Day” as a commemoration to the fall of Bataan that happened during World War II.
Before the pandemic era, several streets and roads
were closed to give way to small parades as part of the celebration. But the
main highlight of this day is the President’s speech that was commonly
conducted in Mt. Samat Shrine in the Province of Bataan. In this event, the
President honors the braveness and heroism of both Filipinos and American
soldiers who offered their life during the Second World War.
A Short Background
Around 76,000 Filipinos, Chinese, and American
soldiers, led by Major General Edward P. King of the US Army, were forced to
surrender and march 145 kilometers, also known as the Bataan Death March, on
April 9, 1942. Thousands of prisoners died as a result of starvation,
dehydration, and illnesses until they arrived at Camp O'Donnell in Capas,
Tarlac.
Even though the holiday appears to be a victory for
the foreign invaders, it also highlighted the heroism of the soldiers in
Bataan, allowing our allies to prepare for the battle that ended the Japanese
invasion in the Pacific. It quickly became a victory and the liberation of the
Filipinos from Japanese occupation.
Modern Heroes
Celebration
This date is among the most significant in Philippine
history. Because of the pandemic, there will be some changes to the yearly
grand celebration and celebration of Araw ng Kagitingan. We are currently in
the midst of a different kind of war. So, on this day, we should also
remember our modern heroes—the frontliners, both medical and non-medical, who
have bravely and continuously offered their time and abilities in order for
everyone to survive the devastating coronavirus. Here are some ways in which we
can give back to the unsung heroes of our generation:
1. Providing Packed Meals
Have you learned any new cooking or
baking techniques since the hard lockdown last year? Put on your apron and
start whipping up some delicious and nutritious meals for the frontliners! In
this time of pandemic, our medical personnel, police officers, and military
personnel spend the majority of their time serving, trying to protect, and
reminding us. It would be a genuine joy for them if you could provide them with
a sumptuous meal to regenerate their energy.
2. Donation of Personal Protective Equipment to Hospitals
Because of the sudden increase in COVID-19 cases across the country, several other hospitals are once again running low on PPEs and other medical supplies. You can start a fund-raising campaign to help them acquire much-needed medical supplies and save more lives.
3. Composing Songs in Honor of Our
Frontline Personnel
You can also write a song devoted entirely to our modern heroes that will send them strength and hope to continue fighting in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. You can show them that we are rooting for them in this battle by sharing it on social media. You could also invite your friends to leave supportive and encouraging comments.
4. Staying At Home and Following the Health Protocols
We don't want to add to their burden, so the best thing we can really do to show our support for our frontliners is to stay home and obey the government's health and safety protocols. When going out to get some necessities, always wear masks and face shields. Also, to prevent the virus from spreading in the community, ensure proper sanitation and hygiene.
This is a laborious and strenuous battle to all of us.
We just not want to save ourselves and our economy but also our modern heroes
who are now suffering from exhaustion from a year of war to our invisible opposing
force, the COVID-19 virus. So let’s give our medical frontliners some break by
staying at home and keeping safe.
