20 April 2015 – The 73rd Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) was celebrated on April 09 by the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, members of the Filipino-American community in Chicagoland and several surviving World War II veterans.
The first part of the program was the wreath-laying ceremony held at the Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Bridge, at the corner of State Street and Wacker Drive. The bridge was dedicated in 1949 to the memory of all Filipino and American veterans who fought side-by-side during the heroic defense of Bataan and Corregidor Island in 1942.
The second part of the program was held at the Kalayaan Hall of the Consulate General with the members of the Filipino-American community, World War II veterans and representatives from the Chicago Mayor’s Office and Illinois Governor’s Office.
Proclamations from Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel declaring April 09 as Bataan Day in Chicago were also read by their respective representatives. Philippine Consul General of Chicago Generoso D.G. Calonge, in his remarks, 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 sacrifice and heroism.
A reception hosted by Chicago’s Filipino-American community at the Kalayaan Hall of the Consulate General concluded the day’s event. END