Photo By Staff Sgt. Scott Griffin | Guantanamo service members scale steep terrain at the halfway point of the Bataan...... read more read more
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By Spc. Shanita Simmons
Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs
GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – A solemn mood fell over Windmill Beach, March 30, when over one hundred Guantanamo residents joined New Mexico National Guard troopers to commemorate the Bataan Death March of 1942.
The march, which is held annually to honor World War II veterans of the 200th Coast Artillery, New Mexico National Guard, memorializes the infamous 70-mile "Death March" that was characterized by physical abuse, savagery and murder against more than 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war.
Although the 26.2 mile march usually takes place on the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, troopers coordinated a 13 mile march so that Guantanamo residents could take part in this long-standing New Mexico tradition.
"Tens of thousands of Americans representing the Army, Army Air Corps, Navy and Marines and Filipino forces fought Japanese soldiers for four months before they were marched in the scorching heat through the Philippine jungles to prison camps," said Army Maj. Anthony Guerrero, of the New Mexico National Guard. "We want to honor the memory of those veterans who sacrificed above and beyond the call of duty. Some of them gave the ultimate sacrifice and died during this effort."
Runners and walkers wore civilian or military gear as they participated in the march that began at Windmill Beach and took troopers across hilly terrain along the Marine fence line and back. Troopers, who could sign up as individuals or a team, participated as a way to say thanks to the veterans who endured excruciating pain and abuse during the World War II march.
"There is nothing that compares to what those men went through," said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Ted Trahan, JTF Joint Detention Group command sergeant major. "I have had the honor and privilege to participate in the Bataan Death March on two separate occasions. Some of the march's veterans are at the finish line waiting to thank those who marched. When they look you in the face and shake your hand in thanks, what you have done really hits home."
Trahan added that although the march was grueling, it pales in comparison to what the veterans endured when they were surrendered to Japanese forces by their commander, Army Maj. Gen. Edward "Ned" P. King Jr., without the knowledge of his superior officers.
The battle for Bataan was one of the significant opening battles of World War II where American forces aided in the defense of the islands of Luzon, Corregidor and the harbor defense forts of the Philippines.
Approximately 2000 Soldiers from the 200th CA helped Filipino forces fight Japanese forces during the four-month battle that ended when they were surrendered and marched for days from Mariveles to Camp O'Donnell, a prison camp in the province of Tarlac in the Philippines.
During the six-day march, POWs moved by foot on dusty roads without food or water. The march was characterized by wide-ranging physical abuse, savagery and murder. Deliberate refusal to allow prisoners food and water and rifle beatings were common abuse techniques used by Japanese captors. Some POWs were even beheaded.
Those who survived the march faced the hardships of prisoner of war camps where many starved to death or died due to lack of medical care. Some who survived the march were later wounded or killed when unmarked enemy ships transporting these POWs to Japan were sunk by U. S. air and naval forces. When the surviving Americans were rescued by U.S. forces in August 1945, less than half of the 200th CA Soldiers survived.
Although only a small contingent of New Mexico National Guardsmen deployed here were able to travel to their home state to participate in the White Sands Death March, March 31, Guerrero mentioned that the march served as a way for Guantanamo residents to observe an important part of New Mexico and U.S. history, just like the participants in New Mexico.
"When you cross that finish line, it is something tremendous that you have accomplished. Not just because it is physically demanding, but you also realize that you have participated in something that recognized an important part of our military history," said Guerrero. "As civilians along with members of U.S. military units and foreign armed forces are greeted by survivors of the (White Sands) Death March, you can feel the comradery and a sense of pride to be a member of the world's greatest military force."
The first three participants to cross the finish line in the men's, women's and team categories were awarded trophies. The first place winners were Patrick Sellen, Shanna Lynch and team Vigilance, in the male, female and team categories respectively. The second place winners were Ted Trahan, Geneta Palacios and team 111th. Third place winners were Chris Hodl, Laura Artis and team Hell's Gate.
| Date Taken: | 04.01.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 04.03.2008 10:16 |
| Story ID: | 18031 |
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| Web Views: | 228 |
| Downloads: | 197 |
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