KANSAS CITY, Mo. — VFW is pleased to announce it is the presenting sponsor of the 22ndAnnual Bataan Memorial Death March to be held at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, March 27, 2011.
The March was created to honor the American service members who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II. These soldiers endured horrendous conditions, including malaria-infested regions, no medical attention, meager rations and outdated equipment. On April 9, 1942, tens of thousands of soldiers were surrendered to the Japanese and were forced to march for days to a war camp, enduring the high heat of the Philippine jungles and extreme brutality of their captors, causing many to perish. This tragedy became known as the Bataan Death March.
The Memorial March is open to the public and each year about 5,000 supporters turn out for the rigorous march.
“Supporting this March is great example of one of the many focuses of the VFW: keeping the memory of those who’ve lost their lives in the name of freedom alive. The March offers a unique way of honoring the memory of so many brave soldiers,” said VFW National Senior Vice Commander, Richard DeNoyer.
Twenty-five Bataan Death March survivors are also expected to attend and will receive recognition from VFW’s Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, Richard DeNoyer on behalf of the organization.