Well, April 9th is generally associated with Bataan and Corregidor, and we commemorate the events that occurred 80 years ago today. The Day of Valor is an opportunity for Filipinos today and tomorrow to reflect on times of strength and courage in the face of adversity, and to rely on that strength again if necessary.
Thousands of ordinary Filipinos — with or without formal training but who took up arms thusly, soldiers who had not relinquished or escaped, and civilians providing logistical, intelligence, and moral support — have found ways to continue the struggle against the occupation forces, revealing more about who we are as a people.
And, because history does not stop in the past or even in the present, Araw ng Kagitingan teaches us that our heroism must extend beyond protecting our shores against foreign attack. Our opponents can be located within our own country, between ourselves, as we have witnessed in numerous instances. Individuals and groups with self-serving objectives abound, frequently colluding with foreigners with their own agendas.
These are not simply war stories, but stories of regular Filipinos accomplishing incredible feats. But don't forget that heroism isn't limited to times of genuine conflict. When there is calm, the threat is less evident, and the struggle is more covert.
The Araw ng Kagitingan reminds us that our bravery must extend beyond defending our lands from foreign attack. Our adversaries are discovered among us, within our own country.
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