WHEREAS, the ninth day of April, nineteen hundred and fifty-three, marks the eleventh anniversary of the Fall of Bataan;

WHEREAS, the Fall of Bataan symbolizes the enduring ties of affection, friendship and cooperation that bind the Philippines and the United States; and

WHEREAS, the commemoration of the Fall of Bataan is a fitting homage to the unparalleled heroism of Filipino and American forces who, despite overwhelming odds, fought side by side to the last in their stubborn defense of freedom and democracy in this part of the globe;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Elpidio Quirino, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the authority vested in me by law, do hereby declare and proclaim Thursday, April the ninth, nineteen hundred and fifty-three, as Bataan Day. I call upon all provincial governors, city mayors, all other public officials and citizens of the Republic of. the Philippines, as well as all American nationals residing in this country, to observe Bataan Day with the most appropriate ceremonies and programs expressive of the bonds of friendship that bind the Philippines and the United States and as a solemn recognition to the sacrifices of the heroic defenders of Bataan.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

Done in the City of Manila, this 21st day of March, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and fifty-three, and of the Independence of the Philippines, the seventh.

ELPIDIO QUIRINO
President of the Philippines

By the President:

MARCIANO ROQUE
Acting Executive Secretary