Arroyo to lead ‘Araw ng Kagitingan’ rites at Mt. Samat

President Arroyo will be the guest of honor and speaker during the observance on Sunday of the “Araw ng Kagitingan" (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan at Mt. Samat in Pilar, Bataan. The President will also lead the wreath-laying ceremony at Mt. Samat Shrine, where she will be joined by Ambassadors Kristie A. Kenney and Ryuichiro Yamazaki of the United States and Japan, respectively. Bataan Governor Enrique T. Garcia will welcome President Arroyo and the other guests. Balanga Bishop Socrates Villegas will make the invocation, which will be followed by the ringing of the bells by Veterans Federation of the Philippines Regional Vice President Jose N. Bernal. Before the President’s speech, Ambassadors Kenney and Yamazaki will deliver the messages of their respective governments. "Araw ng Kagitingan" is observed on April 9 to remember the heroism and bravery of Filipino and American troops in Bataan and Corregidor during World War II. This year’s observance, with the theme "Beterano at Salinlahi: Kailangan sa Panahon ng Pagsubok," coincides with the Philippine Veterans Week celebration. - OPS