Pinoy, US veterans reenact Bataan Death March in New Mexico

Thousands of Filipinos and Americans paid tribute to World War II soldiers who died during the infamous Bataan Death March at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico last Sunday.

More than 6,000 marchers participated in the annual 26-mile march, considered the largest commemoration of the event outside the Philippines.

“The Bataan Memorial Death March began and will continue to provide a way to honor those who perished and those who lived through a horrific chapter of World War II,” said Brig. Gen. Timothy Coffin, commander of the White Sands Missile Range, during the event.

More than 72,000 people participated in the march since it was suggested by the Army ROTC Department of the New Mexico State University in 1989.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/354091/pinoyabroad/news/25th-bataan-memorial-death-march-in-us-draws-more-than-6-000-attendees

The event commemorates the sacrifices made by 75,000 Filipino and American soldiers who were forced to march from Bataan to Pampanga on April 9, 1942.

Approximately 10,000 Filipino and American troops died during the 65-mile march and more perished at the concentration camps and prisoner of war ships they were transferred to after the incident.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose L. Cuisia Jr. told participants that the event not only honored "the men and women who helped defend" the Philippines, but also paid tribute "to those who came after them who until this very day form the core of the alliance between the Philippines and the United States."

“Being here with you on the year that we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Philippines, is the least I can do to pay tribute to the Filipino and American soldiers who gallantly fought together in Bataan during the Second World War,” Cuisia said in his early morning address to participants.

Cusia later took part in the march, accompanied by his wife Ma. Victoria and Minister Elmer Cato, Maj. Gen. Delfin Lorenzana, and  Chief Supt. Jose Gentiles of the Philippine Embassy and members of the Filipino-American Community in Washington, D.C. led by former US Consul General Sonny Busa of the Philippine-American Foundation for Charities. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News

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