Bataan Death March Memorial

Bataan Death March Memorial. Courage . Valor . Comaraderie. This memorial honors the joint forces of 66,000 Filipinos and 12,000 American heroes who fought against the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. The joint forces were positioned to stall the Japanese invasion of the whole Philippine Archipelago, and to allow time for the American Pacific Naval Fleet to rebuilt after suffering heavy losses at Pearl Harbor. Despite the shortage of food, water, ammunition and in total exhaustion, they fought gallantly but their weakened forces were no equal to the well equipped Japanese Imperial Army. Hence, on April 9, 1942, surrender was the only choice. Thus began the infamous 'Bataan Death March.', From Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga , a 65 mile trail, the march lasted from 5 - 9 days, the prisoners were tortured along the way, shot where they fell and some were buried alive or driven over by passing trucks. The soldiers were then cramped onto train cars bound for Capas, Tarlac , a 24 mile punishing ride, where some died standing before reaching their destination., Of the 78,000 brave men, only 54,000 made it to Camp O'Donnel in Capas, Tarlac, where 20,000 Filipinos and 1,600 Americans perished during the first four months of incarceration., To these valiant soldiers, we dedicate this memorial. Indeed, both Filipinos and Americans from generation to generation will always be grateful for their courage, perseverance, sufferings, and the lives they gave that we may freely live.