Bataan Day 2023: The Philippines observe Bataan Day, also known as “Araw ng Kagitingan,” on April 9 as a national holiday. It commemorates the valour of the Allies during the Japanese siege of Bataan during World War II. On April 9, 1942, 76,000 Filipino and American soldiers surrendered to the Japanese after a three-month heroic last stand. The Japanese were unprepared for the sheer number of soldiers who surrendered. Thus, the infamous “Bataan Death March” began, during which prisoners walked 66 miles to a prison camp in San Fernando. On the march, more than 20,000 prisoners of war perished from exhaustion, hunger, or at the hands of their captors.
HISTORY OF BATAAN DAY
Not long after the attack on Pearl Harbour, the Japanese military shifted its focus to the Philippines, specifically Manila Bay. As one of the best ports in the Pacific, the Philippines were crucial to the Japanese military strategy. The harbour was an ideal resupply point for their naval ambitions south of the Pacific Ocean.
The Japanese Imperial Army set its sights on Luzon, the main island of the Philippines. After an initial phase of aerial attacks, 43,000 Japanese troops landed on the island. General Douglas MacArthur, who commanded the Allied forces, informed Washington, D.C., that he could repel the invasion with 130,000 troops. His miscalculation and error would prove to be monumental.
When the Battle of Bataan began, the Allies lacked the resources necessary to repel the Japanese assault. MacArthur was forced to withdraw his troops from the peninsula of Bataan. However, it was poorly and hastily organised. In the confusion of their retreat, the Allies abandoned a tonne of rations, supplies, and ammunition.
Things disintegrated in Bataan. The rations were pitifully meagre. The troops contracted dengue, malaria, and other illnesses. In addition, the soldiers had a feeble defence without naval or air support.
In spite of overwhelming odds, the Filipinos and Americans held out for 99 days before surrendering. The final Japanese stand at Bataan cost them time and delayed their immediate victory in the Pacific region. After three months, 76,000 Allies surrendered, the largest in American and Filipino military history. The Japanese were unprepared for the sheer number of soldiers who surrendered. Shortly thereafter, American and Filipino prisoners of war were forced to participate in the infamous Bataan Death March.
HOW TO OBSERVE BATAAN DAY
Attend a parade
Veterans of World War II in the Philippines participate in parades to honour the valour of their fallen comrades. Attend a parade to demonstrate solidarity if you are in the country on this day.
Visit Mt. Samat Shrine
At the Mt. Samat Shrine in Bataan, a formal event occurs. Typically, the president of the Philippines attends and delivers a speech to honour the valour of Filipino and American veterans.
Discover the Philippines
Did you know that, after the NBA, the Philippines Basketball Association is the second oldest in the world? Or that the country is home to three of the world’s largest shopping malls? Learn about this remarkable nation today.
Appomattox Day 2023: Date, History, Activities, Significance and Facts
National Catch and Release Day 2023: Date, History, Activities, Significance and Facts
National Zoo Lovers Day 2023: Date, History, Activities, Significance and Facts
There are five interesting facts about the Philippines.
A ferocious nation
After World War II, the Philippines were the first Southeast Asian nation to achieve independence.
The origins of the country’s name are Spanish.
The explorer Ruy López de Villalobos gave it the name of King Philip II of Spain.
Poor connections
The Philippines and Indonesia are the only other places on Earth where skunks are found.
Unique war traditions
No nation other than the Philippines flies its flag upside down during times of war.
An extensive linguistic history
Approximately 175 distinct languages are spoken throughout the country.
WHY BATAAN DAY IS IMPORTANT
To honour veterans
Today is another chance to recognise the valour of veterans. It is a day to honour the sacrifice of those who perished.
Lessons from the past
Bataan Day serves as a solemn reminder of the price of war. It is a day to reaffirm the worldwide commitment to peace and harmony.
To never take freedom for granted
We are counting our blessings today. It is an appropriate time to express gratitude for what we have and the courageous individuals who made it possible.
BATAAN DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 9 | Sunday |
| 2024 | April 9 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | April 9 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | April 9 | Thursday |
| 2027 | April 9 | Friday |
