As the nation marked the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan, the spirit of courage continued to resonate, not just in the formal ceremonies but also in the quiet reflections shared by those who gathered to honor the country’s heroes.
At the Mt. Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan, veterans and youth sat side by side, serving as a living bridge between the past and the future. Their presence was a powerful reminder that the true meaning of valor extends beyond the battlefield.
A President’s Call to Continue the Fight
In his speech, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honored the extraordinary sacrifices made by the heroes commemorated on Araw ng Kagitingan. These individuals, who gave their lives in defense of the nation, left an enduring legacy on the country’s history.
“There is no greater sacrifice than that of the heroes we honor today, who gave their lives for the peace and freedom of our nation,” said the President, acknowledging the contributions of Filipino, American, and allied soldiers who fought for the peace and stability that the nation enjoys today.
His message underscored that while the physical battles of the past have ended, the fight for peace and freedom continues in various forms today.
Veterans: Remembering and Reminding
Veterans, their faces etched with time and experience, carried their stories as they walked toward the shrine. Their presence was a powerful reminder that valor is not confined to the pages of history books but is alive in those who continue to carry its legacy.
Robinson Agliam, a 69-year-old retired Philippine Army veteran with 15 years of service, reflected on the loyalty and camaraderie that helped him survive countless battles. He also served 26 years in the Philippine National Police. For Agliam, survival was not about individual strength but about the unyielding support of his fellow soldiers.
“That’s the kind of loyalty I hope young people never forget. I also hope they will fight for our country when needed,” Agliam said.
Vincent Basam, a 63-year-old veteran from Moncada, Tarlac, who served 27 years in the Philippine Army, emphasized that each battle he fought was motivated by one goal: to secure a peaceful future, not just for his generation but for those that would follow.
“We fought for a dream of freedom. Today’s young people must protect that dream — not with guns, but with integrity and love for the country,” Basam shared.
For these veterans, the fight for freedom is not a distant memory but a living, breathing legacy that must continue to inspire future generations.
The Youth Finding New Meaning in Valor
Among the crowd, students were deeply moved by the presence of these aging heroes. The younger generation realized that the lessons of valor extend beyond the battlefield and now call for responsibility and integrity in today’s world.
Raffy Adalim, a 16-year-old Boy Scout from Taguig City, expressed his admiration for the veterans and his desire to follow in their footsteps by joining the Philippine Army. Inspired by relatives who had served, he now understands how events like the Bataan Death March shaped the present day.
“I appreciate more the importance of the sacrifices of our veterans, and someday I want to be like them — fighting for our country,” Adalim said.
Mellody Castil, a 16-year-old student from Mariveles National High School and a Girl Scout, reflected on what valor means today. She acknowledged that the youth may not face traditional wars but emphasized the importance of confronting contemporary battles such as poverty, misinformation, and injustice.
“We may not face wars, but we face other battles. The veterans show us that bravery isn’t about fighting with weapons anymore. It’s about fighting for what is right,” Castil said.
She urged her peers to appreciate the freedoms they enjoy today and to continue honoring the veterans who fought for those freedoms.
A Call to Action for Future Generations
The 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan was more than just a commemoration of past events; it was a call to action.
For both veterans and youth, the spirit of valor is not confined to a single day or a single generation. It is a legacy that must be carried forward — through actions big and small — by the generations that follow.
The lessons of bravery and sacrifice live on, not just in the stories of those who fought but in the hearts of those who will one day carry their torch. (PIA Region 3-Bataan)
