HOLLOMAN AFB, N.M.- As the sun rose on
the New Mexico desert floor, thousands of people from the United States and
countries around the world gathered to begin the 24th Annual Bataan Memorial
Death March at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., March 17.
The Bataan Memorial Death March honors the 80,000 Filipino and American troops who surrendered after the three-month Battle of Bataan on April 9, 1942, in which they fought to defend the islands of Luzon, Corregidor, and the harbor defense forts of the Philippines.
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Participants in the 24th annual Bataan Memorial Death March gather during the opening ceremony at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., March 17. More than 5,800 people from across the world participated in the 26.2-mile memorial march to honor the 76,000 prisoners of war who were forced to endure marching nearly 80 miles under brutal conditions during World War II. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Michael Shoemaker/Released)
After surrendering, they were forced to march 80 miles through the Philippine jungle, where more than 5,000 prisoners of war died before they could reach the capital of Bataan.
Thirteen survivors attended this year's march and welcomed 5,800 people who came to show respect and honor to the very men before them and those that were there on that historical day more than 70 years ago. - ACC FMI: AFmil
The Bataan Memorial Death March honors the 80,000 Filipino and American troops who surrendered after the three-month Battle of Bataan on April 9, 1942, in which they fought to defend the islands of Luzon, Corregidor, and the harbor defense forts of the Philippines.
Participants in the 24th annual Bataan Memorial Death March gather during the opening ceremony at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., March 17. More than 5,800 people from across the world participated in the 26.2-mile memorial march to honor the 76,000 prisoners of war who were forced to endure marching nearly 80 miles under brutal conditions during World War II. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Michael Shoemaker/Released)
After surrendering, they were forced to march 80 miles through the Philippine jungle, where more than 5,000 prisoners of war died before they could reach the capital of Bataan.
Thirteen survivors attended this year's march and welcomed 5,800 people who came to show respect and honor to the very men before them and those that were there on that historical day more than 70 years ago. - ACC FMI: AFmil