Valor
val·or
/va-lər /
It’s a noun and a value that comes from the Latin valorem for “strength, moral worth.” While valor might seem similar to courage, what separates valor is that it is an exceptional experience in strength of mind displayed in the face of a crushing event, like war. People who show valor often do so with a north star to serve and protect - a heroic case of “got your back” no doubt!
Interesting Fact #1
“Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of Valor) marks the annual commemoration of the Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942, and the bravery of Filipino and American soldiers during the campaign against invading Japanese forces during World War II. The heart-wrenching events around this date mark a period where men and women put country over self for freedom.
Wise Words from Around the World
“Valor is a gift. Those having it never know for sure whether they have it until the test comes.”
“Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul. ”
Valor in Action
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What does a real-life hero look like?
Learning and defining heroism is a great exercise to understand valor. Learning about historical movements, war, famines, and other struggles faced by our ancestors and elders helps us to answer this question and see true heroism from under many lights. When you learn about an event, consider minority voices left out, bias, and the “other side.” Unpacking history is complex and helps to better grasp today’s challenges.
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Valor is present as much today as in the past. Not everyone in their lifetime will ever have to face a life-threatening experience - but people do. Trauma affects everyone around us. If you know someone who has experience a trauma, acknowledge their valor.
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Here is a great documentary to explore valor at a deeper level. If grade appropriate - watch with a group so you can talk about it and have a dialogue about the events, acts of valor, and how it affects groups differently. https://www.pbs.org/weta/americanvalor/