Community to mark 82nd anniversary of Bataan Death March

SAN FRANCISCO – The Bataan Legacy Historical Society, in partnership with the San Francisco National Cemetery and American Legion Corregidor Post 510, will commemorate the 82nd anniversary of the Bataan Death March this Saturday, April 13 at 10 a.m. at the San Francisco National Cemetery at the Presidio, 1 Lincoln Boulevard, San Francisco.

On April 9, 1942, approximately 75,000 Filipino and American troops of the US Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) were forced to surrender to the Imperial Japanese Army after fighting in the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines.

Despite suffering from massive disease, starvation and fighting without any air support, the USAFFE troops were able to delay the 50-day timetable of the Japanese Army by defending Bataan for 99 days.

After the Fall of Bataan they were forced to march to their prison camp about 65 miles away under extreme conditions with no provisions for food, water, shelter or medicine.

Those who could no longer go on were beaten, bayoneted, shot and some were even beheaded. Thousands died during this march, which became infamously known as the Bataan Death March. It became a rallying cry in the United States as thousands enlisted to join the war.

This year’s commemoration will bring together Filipino and American descendants of the USAFFE troops and civilians during WWII in the Philippines.

The program will include the participation of members of the US Armed Forces, law enforcement and firefighters from the Bay Area, veterans and cadets from civic and youth organizations.

American Legion Corregidor Post 510 will award the WWII Filipino Congressional Gold Medal to several Filipino families whose ancestors fought in the Philippines.

Lt. General Edward Soriano, USA (Ret), the son of a WWII Filipino veteran, will lead the ceremony. Brig. Gen. Steven McLaughlin will be the Master of Ceremonies.

Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer will be one of the speakers. The keynote speaker will be Vice-Admiral Andrew Tiongson, US Coast Guard Commander, Pacific Area and Defense Force West.

Rear Admiral Jonathan Yuen, USN (Ret) will lead the Tolling of the Bells, a series of prayers for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  He will be joined by flag and senior officers of the Armed Forces, local law enforcement and the veterans’ descendants.

Music will be provided by members of the 191^st US Army Band, the Universal Choir and Soprano Judith Javier-Tiu.

A 3-Rifle volley salute will be made by The Marine Corps League, General J.C. Breckenridge San Francisco Detachment No. 10.  A flyover tribute to the Missing Man will be made by the Memorial Squadron while “Taps” is being played.

Bataan Legacy Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) organization, worked successfully with the California Department of Education to include WWII in the Philippines as part of the Grade 11 US History curriculum framework.  More information is available here.