The jungles of the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippine Islands are a long way from the U.S. Army’s White Sands Missile Range in the northern reaches of the Chihuahuan Desert in southern New Mexico. Yet there is a strong connection between the two.
Just prior to World War II units from the New Mexico National Guard were deployed to the Philippines. After Pearl Harbor they were in the middle of the battles fought in the Philippines and were eventually part of the infamous Bataan Death March.
To honor their sacrifice and the sacrifice of all those who have suffered in war, the U.S. Army base at White Sand Missile Range has hosted the Bataan Memorial Death March for the past 24 years. The road leading to the base (U.S. 70) is now called the Bataan Death March Highway.
The Bataan Memorial Death March is a full 26.2 mile marathon. Most of the participants march or walk the route rather than run it. I had the privilege of marching in it this past weekend.
This year’s march had over 5600 participants. Most were in uniform and were from all branches of the service. Some were even from foreign countries. For those not in the military it is a tremendous opportunity to intermingle with those who serve. You will find that our military is composed of a select group of very friendly and amazing young men and women.
If you would like to include the Bataan Memorial Death March among your walking experiences, you can learn more at http://www.bataanmarch.com/. In the meantime if you would like to see what the march is like, here are some pictures and impressions from this year’s march. Continue Reading →