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Today my husband is participating in the Bataan Death March. When he first told me about it, I had no idea what he was talking about. Just understood that he would be undertaking 26.2 miles while carrying a ruck sack weighing over 40lbs with soldiers from their company. I feel a huge feeling of pride, as I know this mean so much to him to be apart of this event and to reach the finish line as well will be amazing for each of the participants.
Here’s some information about the march taken from the website:
“The Bataan Memorial Death March honors a special group of World War II heroes. These brave soldiers were responsible for the defense of the islands of Luzon, Corregidor and the harbor defense forts of the Philippines.
The conditions they encountered and the aftermath of the battle were unique. They fought in a malaria-infested region, surviving on half or quarter rations with little or no medical help. They fought with outdated equipment and virtually no air power.
On April 9, 1942, tens of thousands of American and Filipino soldiers were surrendered to Japanese forces. The Americans were Army, Army Air Corps, Navy and Marines. Among those seized were members of the 200th Coast Artillery, New Mexico National Guard.
They were marched for days in the scorching heat through the Philippine jungles. Thousands died. Those who survived faced the hardships of a prisoner of war camp. Others were wounded or killed when unmarked enemy ships transporting prisoners of war to Japan were sunk by U.S. air and naval forces.” From the Bataan website source listed under image.
a picture of my hubby’s ruck, boots and tags
The boys and I will be at the finish line waiting for daddy to finish! We are so excited!
Check out the Youtube video talking about the Bataan Death March!
Question:
Have you ever participate in the Bataan march? Do you know someone else who is participating this year?
Disclaimer:
Information in this post is all my own. Images and videos have been documented from which site they are being used from.
One of my hair customers actually survived the Bataan March. I didn’t find out about it until his wife told me many years later. He finally was able to talk a little bit about it to me. He said every day they would have us draw straws and shoot the ones who drew the wrong one. He said it got to the point you wished you drew that straw. He said I used to have such a strong hatred for the Japanese people that I couldn’t really function in life. He said I realized that I had to forgive to forget and that is why my wife and I go every other year to Japan to help build churches. I now have many friends in Japan. He was a great man and died two years ago. Because of him I am a better person having listened to this gentle man’s stories. I think that is really cool that your husband is honoring these men and the horrors that they had to endure.
I am normally pretty emotional and today was def full of emotions. I really appreciated your words and thank you for sharing about your former client. I’m in awe.
I truly have a deep respect for the survivors and all of our military. I’m so very proud of my husband participating today too. All walks of life marched today in honor of Bataan.
It’s truly an amazing event!