United States Embassy in the Philippines recognized the heroism of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II as inspiration to surpass today’s challenges particularly the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his message during the virtual commemoration of the 79th Araw ng Kagitingan, Charge d’ Affaires John Law saluted the Filipino and American soldiers who fought and sacrificed during the battle of Bataan and to all those civilians who risked their own safety to comfort and assist them.
“Today for reasons we all understand, we’ve gathered virtually in the face of a new type of challenge. But though we are not there in person, we are there in spirit,” Law conveyed.
“And even as we face the trials and circumstances created by the pandemic, we still draw strength and inspiration from the experiences and examples of those brave men and women,” he furthered.
Law emphasized that with the heroism led by these veterans, everyone could still learn from lessons they bequeath to the people, and take hope and faith from their courage.
“They gave all they had, without hesitation they gave more than could be humanly expected for the freedoms of both of our countries,” he said.
Following this, he expressed his gratitude to the Filipinos and assured the good relationship of both countries.
“Throughout those terrible years of war, Americans and Filipinos fought side-by-side in the cause of freedom, for that please know you have the eternal respect and gratitude of the American people,” the official said.
Finally, Law asked everyone to always vow to fulfill one’s duty to keep alive that freedom from which the soldiers had fought and sacrificed their youth and their lives.
“Let us continue to work together to do all in our power to preserve peace, promote prosperity, and strengthen bonds of friendship between our peoples,” he urged.
This year’s Araw ng Kagitingan carried the theme “Kagitingan ay Gawing Gabay, Pandemya ay Mapagtatagumpayan.”