Riders and bike enthusiasts from various parts of the Philippines participated in the Ride for Valor, a bike-for-a-cause event that aimed to raise funds for the maintenance of the Bataan Death March markers and other World War 2 heritage sites. The ride coincided with the Araw ng Kagitingan or the Day of Valor, which commemorates the 81st anniversary of the Fall of Bataan and the start of the Death March. The event started from Km Zero in Mariveles, Bataan to Capas National Shrine in Tarlac, covering the actual route of the Death March. The non-competitive bike ride had four pitstops: Mt. Samat, Balanga Provincial Capitol’s The Bunker, San Fernando Train Station, and Angeles Museum.
Mike Villa-Real, first vice president for marketing and communications of the Philippine Veterans Bank, emphasized that the Ride for Valor was a significant way of honoring veterans and preserving their legacy. Moreover, the event provided riders an opportunity to learn more about the historic event and the sacrifices made by Filipino and American soldiers during the Death March.
The Bataan Death March is considered one of the darkest chapters in Philippine history, where Japanese forces forced around 80,000 Filipino and American soldiers to march over 100 kilometers in brutal conditions in 1942. The event resulted in massive casualties due to exhaustion, dehydration, disease, and Japanese brutality.
By participating in the Ride for Valor, riders joined efforts to preserve the memory of the sacrifices made by soldiers during World War 2. The funds raised from the bike-for-a-cause event will go towards maintaining the Bataan Death March markers and other World War 2 heritage sites. The event serves as an avenue to honor and show gratitude to the veterans who fought to defend the country’s freedom and democracy.
In conclusion, the Ride for Valor is not just a mere bike ride, but a means of preserving history and recognizing the sacrifices of Filipino and American soldiers during World War 2. The event not only helps raise funds for the maintenance of heritage sites, but it also provides riders with a meaningful experience of tracing the footsteps of soldiers during the infamous Death March.
