Commemorating a Legacy of Human Courage
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The 84th ‘Araw ng Kagitingan’ (Day of Valor) was held on April 8 this year at the Military Women’s Memorial in Washington, D.C.
“Eighty four years cannot make us forget a storied history of the warriors who fought for our freedom and lives. They withstood death, wounds and destruction to protect and defend their homeland and our way of life.”
With these words, FilVetREP Chairman Maj. Antonio Taguba (Ret) opened the commemoration of the 84th anniversary of the Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942, and Corregidor on May 6, 1942 during World War II in the Philippines. It is observed in the Philippines and in the US as “Araw ng Kagitingan” or “Day of Valor.”
Held at the Military Women’s Memorial, located at the National Cemetery in Arlington, VA., the solemn ceremony featured a color guard, a vocal rendition of the Philippine and U.S. national anthems and a bugler who played taps. The bugle call, 24 notes of a mournful melody, is a poignant tribute to honor and remember those who have served and sacrificed their lives for the country.
Among those in attendance was 98-year-old Senior Chief Petty Officer Remigio Cabacar of Ft. Washington, MD. Mr. Cabacar, along with 98-year-old Rudy Panaglima of Washington, D.C., are the only two living veterans in the Washington Metropolitan area.
‘Shared challenges’
Deputy Chief of Mission Felipe F. Carino
Representing Philipppine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, Deputy Chief of Mission Felipe F. Carino marked the occasion by lauding the 80th anniversary of Philippine-U.S. diplomatic relations. He described it as a “partnership forged and battle-tested through time and shared challenges that have been marked in blood and the heroic sacrifice of Filipino and American brothers-in-arms whether in combat against Japanese troops or in the horrific tragedy of the Bataan Death March.
Mindful of the ongoing war in the Middle East, Mr. Carino declared that “the Philippines stands firmly committed to peace, especially in the uncertain times we face today. We remain ready to work with all partners, willing to do whatever it takes to help bridges, foster understanding, and secure a more peaceful world.”
‘Dignified and compassionate care’
Philippine Army Brig. Gen. Roy Anthony Derilo
Philippine Army Brig. Gen. Roy Anthony Derilo delivered remarks on behalf of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Secretary of National Defense. “Heroism is not a distant memory,” he said. “It is a living legacy entrusted to each of us, one that must be carried forward through our actions, decisions, and unwavering commitment to our country.”
Currently serving as Defense Attache at the Philippine Embassy, Derilo provided information about programs in the Philippines that provide accessible healthcare services to veterans. These initiatives, such as “Yakap Beterano” and the Planned Veterans’ Hospice, “aim to ensure that our aging heroes receive dignified and compassionate care in the later stages of their lives.”
He concluded his remarks by stressing that “our greatest responsibility is to ensure that their valor does not fade into memory, but grows stronger with each generation.”
Etched in memory
Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret.)
The theme of honor and remembrance was underscored by General Taguba in his opening remarks when he recalled how his father, Private Tomas Taguba, enlisted in the Philippine Scouts, survived the Bataan Death March and later joined a Recognized Guerrilla unit. “Before he died at age 94, he told me that he and his battle comrades did not want to surrender. They wanted to fight to the end and defend their country. There was anger and sadness in his voice. He could not forget Bataan.”
Joining the commemoration at the Military Women’s Memorial are Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5471 Commander Ike Puzon, Ron Sagudan of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Minority Veterans, American Coalition for Filipino Veterans Exec. Director Eric Lachica, families of veterans and FilVetREP board members.
Photos by Bing Branigin and Lida Peterson
