MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino will lead the 69th commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) today at the Dambana ng Kagitingan in Pilar, Bataan.
The President will be given full military honors with a 21-gun salute followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Colonnade.
The President will be accompanied by US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. and Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura during the ceremony.
Apart from Thomas and Katsura’s respective speeches, the President will deliver his own message during the commemoration.
With the theme “Beterano: Huwaran ng Lahing Pilipino,” this year’s celebration is one of the events organized by the defense department for Filipino veterans who fought during World War II.
Around 2,000 guests composed of war veterans, students, local officials and members of the diplomatic corps and teachers are expected to attend today’s event.
In 1987, the late President Corazon Aquino, the mother of the current Chief Executive, issued Executive Order 23 declaring April 9 of every year a regular holiday for the observance of Araw ng Kagitingan.
In 1989, she issued Proclamation 466 designating April 9 to 11 of each year as Philippine Veterans’ Week in recognition of the gallantry of Filipino war veterans.
The defense department, along with other government agencies and non-government organizations, organize a series of events during the period to promote, preserve and recognize the heroic deeds of Filipino veterans.
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces chief of staff Lt. Gen. Eduardo Oban and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office administrator Gen. Ernesto Carolina are also expected to attend the event.
