MANILA, (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. commemorated World War II heroes Wednesday during the country’s Day of Valor celebration, emphasizing peace as the only solution to conflict amid ongoing global tensions.
“We celebrate today the heroism of all those who fought here in Bataan,” Marcos said. “The solution to war is not more war, and the solution to war is only peace.”
Speaking at a ceremony in Bataan, the historic site of the infamous Death March, Marcos paid tribute to Filipino and American soldiers who defended the Philippines during the Japanese invasion in 1942.
“We celebrate today the heroism of all those who fought here in Bataan. And we celebrate the peace that was hard-earned by the blood and the sacrifice of all our servicemen, not just Filipinos, not just Americans, but also those who fought bravely for their own countries,” he added.
The president also expressed disappointment that parts of the world “have yet to learn that lesson,” referencing current global conflicts without specifically naming them.
The annual observance, known locally as “Araw ng Kagitingan,” honors the approximately 75,000 Filipino and American defenders who were forced to march 65 miles to prison camps after surrendering to Japanese forces, with thousands dying along the way.
Among those attending the ceremony were Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Ewing, Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, and surviving WWII veterans.
Marcos broadened his definition of heroism beyond military service, recognizing civilian sacrifices during wartime and everyday acts of courage by Filipinos.
“We continue to believe in the courage of every single Filipino, not only our servicemen, not only those who fought as regulars, but also our civilians who made their own sacrifices,” he said.
The president concluded by connecting historical lessons to the country’s future, pledging that his administration would work to “keep that peace, to make that peace more permanent.” (JCO/PIA-NCR)
(Photos: Bongbong Marcos Facebook page)
