The Philippine Army joins the commemoration of the 2022 Veterans’ Week and the 80th Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) from April 5 to 11, 2022 at various historical sites in Bataan, Tarlac, Corregidor, and the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila.
Acting Commanding General, Philippine Army (ACGPA) Maj. Gen. Henry M. Doyaoen joined Defense Sec. Delfin N. Lorenzana in the sunrise ceremony and wreath-laying rites at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Libingan ng mga Bayani to open the week-long commemoration of Veteran's Week anchored on the theme "Kagitingan ng mga Bayani, Inspirasyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino."
"We remember our fallen heroes whose remains rest on these hallowed grounds. May their unrivaled dedication and love for our people and nation remain ingrained in our hearts and minds," Maj Gen. Doyaoen said. "To our veterans, your resolute devotion in serving our country will continue to live within our modern-day heroes and the succeeding Filipino generations as we maintain the hard-earned peace and freedom of our nation," he remarked.
The sunrise ceremony is a tradition where Filipino veterans gather and offer flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honor their fallen brothers-in-arms. Meanwhile, the wreath-laying ceremony is an institutional way of venerating the memory of Filipino patriots and martyrs who died for the country.
On April 7, Acting DENR Sec. Jim O. Sampulna will spearhead the “Tribute to All Filipino Heroes” in the historic Corregidor Island where Filipino and American troops made their last stand against Japanese invaders after the Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will be the guest of honor and speaker at the 80th Araw ng Kagitingan commemoration at the Dambana ng Kagitingan Shrine in Mount Samat, Pilar, Bataan. The president, along with the American and Japanese ambassadors, will offer their respective wreaths at the Dambana ng Kagitingan. Members of the diplomatic corps, foreign dignitaries, high-ranking government officials, and surviving war veterans are expected to attend and witness the activity.
The Dambana ng Kagitingan event will be held simultaneously with the “Paggunita sa Capas” which will be led by Tarlac Gov. Susan A. Yap at the Capas Shrine, the site of the Camp O’Donnell concentration camp where thousands of Filipino and American soldiers who were part of “Death March” perished.
Pasig Rep. Roman T. Romulo will lead the sunset ceremony which will cap-off the week-long Veterans’ Week commemoration on April 11, 2022.
Photo: Sgt Cesar Lopez PA/ OACPA
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