2017 Bataan Memorial Death March and Surrounding Events Mark Historical Milestones

Washington, D.C. Filipino and American World War II veterans, surviving family members, veterans advocates, community supporters, Philippine Embassy dignitaries, elected officials and congressional leaders will mark the 75th anniversary of the Bataan Death March with a series of events on Friday, March 17 through Sunday, March 19, 2017.

The main highlight, the annual Bataan Memorial Death March (BMDM), is a re-enactment of the arduous 65-mile march by 75,000 Filipino and American soldiers following the surrender of Bataan on April 9, 1942. As many as 10,000 men—9,000 Filipinos and 1,000 Americans—perished in the march while many more died at prison camps.

The BMDM is considered to be the largest commemoration outside the Philippines. The annual event at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico has drawn more than 72,000 people since it started 28 years ago and has grown to include a slate of different races with military and civilian divisions. A record 7,000 marchers from all over the United States are expected this year.

The Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP), headed by Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret), will lead the Filipino American participation in the Bataan Memorial Death March (BMDM) on Sunday, March 19, 2017.

“We are marching to honor the soldiers of the greatest generation,” Taguba says. “The story of Filipino and American soldiers gallantly fighting together in Bataan during the Second World War must always be remembered and shared. This auspicious occasion allows us to pay tribute to their service and sacrifice.”