The Significance of Philippine-American War Memorial Day
The 4th of February holds a profound significance in the history of the Filipino nation. This date is the commemoration of the Philippine-American War Memorial Day.
This special working holiday serves as a valuable reminder of an incredibly important part of the Filipinos’ history, particularly the Philippines’ relationship with America.
Like all wars, the Philippine-American War began due to conflict and ended up in combat in defense of their respective countries.
Despite the brazen battle where many fought and died, both American Forces and Filipino Forces, the Philippine-American War demonstrated the selfless sacrifice and bravery of the people of both nations.
History of the Philippine-American War
The Treaty of Paris: Freedom From Spanish Rule
The Philippine-American War was a result of a long history of colonial rule in the Philippines. In fact, the Philippine-American War began to take shape in the early 20th century when the Philippines came out of Spanish rule following the Treaty of Paris.
After over 300 years of Spanish rule in the Philippines, the country was signed over to America from Spain through the Treaty of Paris at the end of World War II.
Signed by the U.S. and Spain in December 1898, the treaty that ended the Spanish-American war was not immediately recognized by Filipinos as the agreement included the ceding of the country to the U.S. in exchange for twenty millions dollars instead of the promised independence.
In the same treaty, U.S. acquired the Philippines Island, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Island of Guam which legitimized the presence of their troops in said countries.
Philippine Insurrection Against American Forces
While the Filipino nation was happy to gain independence from Spain, the period following the “liberation” was faced with some conflict against changing authority and rules.
The Filipino nation felt that their freedom was superficial and that they were still under colonial rule, this time, from America.
The dawn of the 20th century witnessed the outbreak of the Philippine-American War on February 4, 1899. Filipino forces began to fight for their freedom and began to battle the newly arrived American forces under a Philippine insurrection.
It is said that the first battle shot of the Philippine-American War happened on the Silencio Streets in Manila. This combat would leave an indelible mark on the Philippines’ history and would be called the Battle of Manila. In the first battle, the Filipino nation lost with many dead, and it was a victory for the American forces.
While it was the first fight, several skirmishes followed in the Philippine insurrection, where many American forces and Filipino forces fought and died. This fight would eventually lead to the Philippine-American War. Today, a marker commemorating the first shot can be found on Silencio Streets in Manila.
Casualties of the Philippine-American War
The Philippine-American War devastated the Philippines. According to records from the American Department of State, the Philippine-American War took over 4,200 lives from American soldiers and over 20,000 dead from the Filipino nation.
It was even more catastrophic for the Philippines as women, children, and other civilians died from torture, lack of food, and diseases.
Peace After the Philippine-American War
The Philippine-American War ended in 1902 when President Roosevelt proclaimed a general amnesty and declared the conflict’s official end. However, Filipinos continued to fight the American administration in smaller-scale battles.
Significance of the Philippine-American War Memorial
The Philippines and America recognize the Philippine-American War Memorial as a significant turning point in both nation’s history.
A Special Working Holiday
In the Philippines, the Philippine-American War Memorial is a special working holiday and is celebrated every February 4.
In 2019, former President Rodrigo Duterte signed an act into law declaring February 4 as a significant date for the Philippines to reflect on its history and its fight for freedom in the Philippine-American War.
The Philippine government wants to remind Filipinos that the independence we enjoy now and in the future is thanks to the Filipinos who fought and dedicated their lives to the cause.
Commemorating Sacrifice and Bravery
The importance of Philippine-American War Memorial lies in its role as a solemn occasion to honor the sacrifices made by Filipino leaders, soldiers, and civilians during this tumultuous period.
The day stands as a testament to the bravery and resilience of those who fought valiantly for the independence of the Filipino nation.
In this time of peace, it’s more important than ever to have a Philippine-American War Memorial to recognize the bravery and service of Filipinos who fought, died, and were wounded to secure our independence.
Infusing History into Schools and Education
Having a special working holiday for the Philippine-American War Memorial gives schools the opportunity to teach young Filipinos their history and pay respects to our fallen heroes.
Under the law recognizing February 4 as the Philippine-American War Memorial, the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education are entrusted to organize appropriate activities in schools around the Philippines.
Additionally, higher education institutions in the Philippines play a pivotal role in ensuring that the lessons of the Philippine-American War are not forgotten.
By incorporating this significant chapter into their curriculum, they contribute to shaping a generation that is well-versed in the sacrifices and struggles that define the nation’s journey toward independence.
Cultural Role of the Philippine-American War
The Act also wants to recognize the cultural impact of the Philippine-American War. As such, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines is mandated to hold appropriate activities that help preserve the memory of the Philippine-American War.
Whether they carry out their responsibility through museums or through markers, the National Historical Commission is mandated to continue highlighting the Philippine-American War memorial.
Through appropriate activities, research, and initiatives, the commission ensures that the sacrifices made by Filipino forces are not forgotten. Their efforts contribute to fostering a sense of pride within the Filipino nation.
Peace in the Whole Archipelago and the World
The significance of Philippine-American War Memorial Day reverberates not only throughout the whole Philippines but also resonates around the world. Despite the combat and struggles from the Philippine-American War, the Philippines and America are at peace and hold a special relationship.
Today, the Philippine government and America even conduct business together and provide assistance to each other.
It adds a layer of understanding to the broader context of world history, illustrating the Philippines’ endless bravery in the pursuit of sovereignty, whether it be from Spain or American rule.
Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
The commemoration of Philippine-American War Memorial Day is not merely a ritual; it is a powerful act of remembrance that binds the Filipino nation to its storied past.
As the Philippines pays homage to the heroes of the Philippine-American War on February 4th, it simultaneously looks towards the future, armed with the lessons of sacrifice, bravery, and the unyielding pursuit of freedom.
This day is a testament to the resilience of the Filipino spirit and a reminder that the struggles of the past shape the destiny of Filipinos today and in the future.
At Camella, we join in the commemoration of the Philippine-American War Memorial Day. We aim to support all the appropriate activities that help strengthen the spirit and culture of the Filipino nation.
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