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Top 3 hosts Bataan Memorial March

  • Published
  • By By Airman 1st Class Keith A. James
  • 18 Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  A Bataan Memorial March was hosted by the Kadena Top 3 April 13.

The march honored the tragic happenings of the Bataan Death March during World War II.

The event consisted of roughly 280 participants walking or running 8.5 miles, which started at the Keystone Theater and continued around the flightline, ending back at the theater. Participants were encouraged to bring their support for those who suffered and lost their lives, a wingman, water and suitable clothing.

"We had three goals in mind when putting this event together; learning about our military history, memorializing the event for those whom suffered and died, and also to push and emphasize the importance of fitness," said Senior Master Sgt. James Clark, 718th Civil Engineer Squadron superintendent.

"People wanted to get out and stay active and show their support, and it was something different rather than your typical 5k run," he added.

The Bataan Memorial March honored the 75,000 U.S. and Filipino troops who surrendered to the Japanese after the three-month Battle of Bataan on April 9, 1942, in the Bataan province on the islands of Luzon, Corregidor, and the harbor defense forts of the Philippines.

The prisoners of war were forced to march more than 60 miles through the Philippine jungle enduring constant torture without food or water, which resulted in the deaths of thousands due to disease, dehydration and starvation. The troops who could not keep up with the rest of the marchers were executed on the spot by the Japanese soldiers.

According to the National Museum of the Air Force, after being captured and facing three years as prisoners of war, nearly 60 percent died in captivity.

"This is a significant part of our World War II history that highlights the sufferings of U.S. and Filipino troops who surrendered to the Japanese, and it's an event not a lot of people know about," said Clark. "It was a honor to pay tribute and acknowledge it."