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                 Gilbert Lodge Blog
         The life and times of Mark and Paula Persons
Saturday, August 15, 2015:  Mark participated in the 18th Annual Bataan Memorial March in Brainerd along with hundreds of other people. 
It all started at the Brainerd National Guard Armory.  A lot of patriotic people showed up to lend their support.

The march 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 well 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.  It became known as the Bataan Death March.  About 30 to 50 prisoners died each day during the war in the camp they were sent to.  The Japanese commander who ordered this treatment was convicted of "crimes against humanity" after the war and was executed.   
 
Walt Strakka from Brainerd was one of the half that survived the war and now he is the last one.  He is 95. 
His eyes stare at us from across the 73 years that have passed since his capture by the Japanese 1n 1942.
Walt was finally freed after the war ended in 1945.
Many participants this day wore the shirt you see in the background.
 
There were speeches reminding the audience of the historic event.  It was also the 70th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day.
A Color Guard from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and the American Legion were there.  They know how to salute our flag.
 

Motorcycles, driven by veterans, were there to participate in remembering our history.
 
Then, Mark and about two hundred others started the march including one young lady with her father.
The goal was to walk 10 miles in 87 degree temperatures with high humidity.
 
Some were carrying their unit flag and heavy packs.  Good training. 
Mark remembers U.S. Army basic training in 1967 when he carried a pack and weapon for 20 miles in a forced march.  He was just 19 at the time.
 
There were four aid stations on the ten mile march.

Four-wheelers checked the route for stragglers who might need help.  Few did.
Many waved encouragement along the route including this lad who high-fived a soldier!
 
Mark and most of the participants finally hit the finish line.  In the case of Mark, he hobbled in some 3 hours, 26 minutes, and 28 seconds after starting.

Most got there before him, but some came in later.

Not bad for a 68 year old! 

Quote of the day:    It will take me a year to work up the courage to do this again!   Mark    < Back to previous story Ahead to next story >

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page last edited 09/11/2015