Marcos to lead Araw ng Kagitingan rites in Bataan

President Marcos will lead the nation today in honoring the heroes of World War II during the commemoration of the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor.

- By ALEXIS ROMERO

Marcos, also the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, will take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) at the Mount Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan.

The President will be joined by national and local officials, surviving war veterans and their families.

The event, the highlight of the commemoration, seeks to recognize the sacrifices of Filipino and American veterans who fought the Japanese invaders during the conflict, which lasted for four years in the Philippines.

"The President will also deliver a speech reaffirming the government's commitment to the welfare of the Filipino veterans," the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) said in a statement.

The commemoration of the Day of Valor, which carries the theme "Kabayanihan ng Beterano: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas (Heroism of veterans: The foundation of the development of the new Philippines),", started last April 5 with a sunrise ceremony and wreath-laying at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig.