A group of bikers recently retraced the Death March in celebration of the National Heroes' Day.
Bikers from Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, and nearby provinces pedaled along
the route traversed by the country’s heroes in a fun ride for a cause
dubbed, “Ride for Valor.” This is a fitting and timely tribute as we
commemorate the National Heroes Day.
Bikers Retrace The Road To Freedom For National Heroes Day
Saving the historical markers
The “Ride for Valor” a non-competitive 160 kilometers long bike ride raised
funds to save our heroes’ historical markers so that we may remember their
sacrifice. The funds will be turned over to the Filipino-American Memorial
Endowment (FAME) a non-government organization that maintains the kilometer
markers of the Bataan Death March from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac.
In the past, Bataan Death March markers had been destroyed, uprooted, and
neglected due to drainage and other road projects. Ten (10) Death March
historical markers in Mariveles, and four (4) in Limay, Bataan have to be
relocated soon due to road widening and other repairs.
The Death March markers
The Death March markers serve as a reminder of the route taken by Filipino
soldiers who defended the country against Japanese forces during World War II
some 80 years ago. About 10,000 brave soldiers died along the route; many of
the bodies were never identified or recovered.
The ride is part of the 30th anniversary of the Philippine Veterans Bank
(PVB). PVB is a commercial bank owned by World War II veterans and their
families. As part of its charter, PVB allocates 20% of its annual net income
for the benefit of its shareholders.
Remembering the Death March
Around 80,000 Filipino and American soldiers and prisoners of war were forced
by the Japanese military to march 69 miles from Bataan to Tarlac during World
War II. Only some 54,000 persons reached the camp, and around 20,000 died due
to starvation, dehydration, diseases, and the brutality of Japanese captors.
About the National Heroes’ Day
The National Heroes’ Day or Araw ng mga Bayani is a national holiday
celebrated every last Monday of August. This day serves to commemorate the
nationalism and valor of local heroes who were key contributors to the welfare
of the Philippines.
The list of national heroes who are given honor during this day are Jose
Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, Marcelo H. del
Pilar, Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat, Juan Luna, Melchora Aquino, and Gabriela
Silang,
For more information, visit
www.veteransbank.com.ph.
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