The Department of National Defense (DND) paid tribute to Filipino veterans whose courage and sacrifice laid the foundation for the nation's freedom in time for the commemoration of the Philippine Veterans Week and the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor).
The Philippine Veterans Week is observed from April 5 to 11 while Araw ng Kagitingan will be celebrated on April 9. This year’s observance carries the theme, “Kabayanihan ng Beterano: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas,” highlighting the enduring legacy of Filipino veterans in nation-building.
“Our veterans’ courage and sacrifice laid the foundation for the freedoms we enjoy today. It is our duty to honor them, not just through ceremonies but through our actions,” DND Assistant Secretary for Defense Communications Arsenio R. Andolong said Saturday, April 5.
The DND, in coordination with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), held a “Sunrise Ceremony” at the Libingan ng mga Bayani at 6 a.m. Saturday to mark the beginning of the commemoration.
According to PVAO, the Sunrise Ceremony is held at the crack of dawn “to symbolize the coming of a new morn and hope for the motherland.” Soldiers and civilians, veterans, and youth gathered in the symbolic event to offer flowers to those who have given their lives at the Altar of Freedom amid the majestic rising of the sun on the horizon, which symbolizes the dawning of a new era of freedom, peace, and democracy.
It was immediately followed by a wreath-laying ceremony and a review in honor of the veterans at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, where a battalion-sized contingent from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) performed the review as veterans were paraded and accorded honors at par with high-ranking military officers and visiting dignitaries who are entitled to such honor.
President Marcos Jr. is expected to lead the commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan at Mount Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on April 9, featuring a wreath-laying ceremony at the Dambana ng Kagitingan to honor Filipino and American World War II veterans.
A “Joint Tribute to All Filipino Heroes and Paggunita sa Capas” will be conducted at the Capas National Shrine in Tarlac on April 10. This refers to a day of remembrance for freedom fighters who experienced the horrendous Death March and became prisoners-of-war (POW) at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac – one of the Japanese concentration camps that turned into an internment ground for about 20,000 Filipino and 1,600 American soldiers who died due to sickness, deprivation, and enemy brutality during the war.
This will be followed by a “Sunset Ceremony” on April 11 at 4:00 p.m. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, which will include a Eucharistic Celebration and a reflection program. The ceremony is traditionally conducted to honor the memories of the veterans. Gathered just like a big family, selected descendants of World War II veterans would share their personal stories and testimonials about the service and heroism of their veteran ancestors and how these inspired the values of their family until the present.
Apart from the main events, other activities slated for the Philippine Veterans Week include the “Faces of Valor Historical Exhibit” which will be on display at the University of Santo Tomas from April 21 to 30, and free LRT and MRT rides for all veterans throughout the Veterans Week.
Asec. Andolong encouraged every Filipino to take part in the commemorative events so they could “learn from our history, and carry forward the spirit of patriotism and service.”
“Let us honor our heroes and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten,” he added.