Courageous deeds

There are many opportunities for showing courage during wartime. Today the nation once again honors the brave men who made a last stand in Bataan against foreign invaders 76 years ago. The Philippines became the last nation in Southeast Asia to surrender to the Japanese.

An estimated 75,000 Filipino and American troops defended Corregidor, with many dying or becoming permanently maimed by the Death March from Bataan to internment camps in Capas, Tarlac. Along the way, people risked the wrath of the occupation forces and tried to give the defenders food and drink.

A common enemy unites a nation and allows people to rise above personal interests. Today, after more than seven decades of peace, Filipinos have been admonished about a weak sense of patriotism and civic duty, with the greater good taking a backseat to personal interests.

This need not be the case. There are many ways of showing courageous patriotism in modern life. It takes guts to say no to corruption and fight abuse of power. It takes courage to blow the whistle on anomalies in government and to testify against the powerful and wealthy.

Patriotism also involves acts of civic responsibility, such as proper garbage disposal and driving with courtesy. Following the law instead of trying to go around it can make the nation a better place.

Those who die for their country deserve the highest honors. Living an exemplary life for one’s country, however, can be equally challenging. Those who show courage in their everyday life also deserve accolades.