14 April 2014 – The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago celebrated the 72nd Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on April 9 with members of the Filipino-American community in Chicagoland and several surviving World War II veterans.
A short program commemorating the day's event began at 9:00 a.m. at the Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Bridge on the corner of State Street and Wacker Drive. The bridge was dedicated in 1949 to the memory of all the Filipino and American veterans who fought side-by-side during the heroic defense of Bataan and Corregidor Island in 1942.
The event started with a wreath laying ceremony by Philippine Consul General in Chicago Leo Herrera-Lim, accompanied by the veterans present. After the national anthems of the Philippines and the United States were played, the Consul General delivered his remarks where he paid tribute to the thousands of Filipino and American soldiers who displayed extraordinary gallantry and courage beyond the call of duty in defending Bataan and Corregidor in 1942. The Consul General also paid tribute to the achievements of the Filipino and American veterans and recognized their sacrifices and heroism.
Proclamations from the Offices of the Governor of Illinois and the Mayor of Chicago declaring April 9, 2014 as Bataan Day in Chicago were also read by their respective representatives. A reception, hosted by Chicago's Filipino-American community, followed at the Social Hall on the 20th Floor of Marina Towers, 300 N State Street, Chicago. END