[ PROCLAMATION NO. 11, March 23, 1954 ]
PROCLAIMING FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 1954, AS BATAAN DAY AND DECLARING IT AS A SPECIAL PUBLIC HOLIDAY
WHEREAS, the ninth day of April, 1954, marks the twelfth anniversary of the Fall of Bataan where the bonds of friendship and cooperation, between the Philippines and the United States were forged in blood and fire; and
WHEREAS, the commemoration of the Fall of Bataan is a fitting homage to the heroism of Filipino and American forces who fought side by side against overwhelming odds in the epic struggle for democracy and freedom;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ramon Magsaysay, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby proclaim Friday, April 9, 1954, as Bataan Day and declare it as a special public holiday. I call upon all provincial governors, city mayors, all other public officials and citizens of the Philippines, as well as all American nationals residing in this country, to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies expressive of the immortal spirit of Bataan and of its heroic defenders.
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 23rd day of March, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and fifty-four, and of the Independence of the Philippines, the eighth.
RAMON MAGSAYSAY
President of the Philippines
By the President:
FRED RUIZ CASTRO
Executive Secretary