The 17th Annual Bataan Memorial March was held that day.

Several hundred showed up to see and participate. 

It all goes back to the beginning of World War II when Soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard 34th Tank Company, and others, were sent to the Philippine Islands to help defend against the Japanese.  To the surprise of military leaders on both sides, the U.S. soldiers held their positions until they ran out of ammunition and other supplies in four months of brutal fighting.  They became known as the "Battling Bastards of Bataan."  After surrendering to the Japanese, 15,000 prisoners were marched 80 miles without food or water.  Some 500 Americans and 5000 Philippines' died along the route.  Only 32 of the 64 Brainerd soldiers survived World War II.  The Japanese commander who ordered this treatment was convicted of "crimes against humanity" after the war and executed.   

Some runners covered the route twice for a total of twenty miles.

Most felt that way after ten miles.

He does not usually walk ten miles in a day.

In U.S. Army basic training, Mark remembers doing a twenty mile forced march with a back pack, steel helmet, rifle, and ammunition.  He was 19 at the time.

Mark was not one to give up.

Mark felt a bit tired after eight miles, but stuck it out.  It took him three hours to complete the ten mile course, which is 18 minutes per mile.

Hungry participants were served spaghetti in the Armory mess hall. 

Questions, Comments?