To honor the bravery and sacrifice of our heroes, the City Government of San Fernando joined the entire nation in commemorating the 76th Anniversary of Bataan Death March on Tuesday, April 10 at the San Fernando Old Train Station.
Mayor Edwin ‘EdSa’ Santiago along with Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, City Councilors Angie Hizon and Nelson Lingat led the wreath-laying ceremony in the Death March marker as respect and tribute to the Filipino soldiers who sacrificed their own lives during the Bataan Death March.
The City of San Fernando particularly the San Fernando Old Train Station played a vital role during the Bataan Death March in 1942. This serves as the final stop of the Filipino and American soldiers on their 102-kilometer march from Mariveles, Bataan before heading to their final destination at Capas, Tarlac.
In his speech, Mayor Edwin ‘EdSa’ Santiago stressed the importance of remembering the 1942 Bataan Death March and recognizing the courage, patriotism and sacrifices of the Filipino soldiers who fought gallantly for the freedom of our country.
“Sa araw na ito, ating inaalala ang naging kontribusyon ng ating mga kababayan na nagbuwis ng kanilang sariling buhay upang protektahan ang ating bayan. Sila ang dahilan kung bakit natin tinatamasa ngayon ang Kalayaan dito sa ating bansa,” Santiago said.
Santiago also urged the Fernandinos to continue the moral deeds of our heroes in their everyday lives.
“Sa iba’t-ibang paraan tayo ay maaaring maging bayani, ang paggawa ng mabuti at pagkakaroon ng malasakit sa kapwa at sa bansa ay isa nang kadaki-dakilang kontribusyon para sa ating bayan,” Santiago added.
Meanwhile, the City Government of San Fernando presented token of appreciation to some of the veterans who survived the infamous Bataan Death March.