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Saturday September
9,
2017:
The annual
Bataan Memorial March
was held in Brainerd to commemorate the infamous
Bataan Death March in 1942 at the beginning of World War II in the
Philippines. Some 78,000 people were were taken prisoner by the Japanese
and were forced to march over 55 miles with no food or water. Those who
could not keep up were beaten, bayoneted or executed by their cruel Japanese
captors.. More than 20,000 military and civilians died in the ordeal.
That included about 600 Americans.
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Ceremonies were held to a standing room only crowd at the
National Guard Armory in Brainerd.
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Honored that day was Walt Straka, the only living Brainerd
survivor of the march, some 75 years ago. |
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Conversations outside as the walk was about to begin including
an interview which was seen on television. |
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Mark was ready to go as were hundreds of other walkers.
Legion Riders were there to show their support. |
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Then they were off on a 13.1 mile walk. |
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Youngsters along the way were holding flags. Of the 64 soldiers who left
Brainerd, only 29 survived captivity in Bataan. |
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Yes, they marched and marched carrying the colors. The
march slogan was, "Remember Bataan, Never Forget." |
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Serious, they were, at doing this march. |
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Along the way they received high-fives and thumbs up. |
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One lady was giving water while others applauded as marches
went by. |
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Getting down toward the end of the 13.1 miles, still in high
spirits. The weather was about 70 degrees and sunny. |
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Then the first one came through the finish line about 2 hours and 15 minutes from the start. |
Quote of the day:
A good day for a long walk. Mark
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Questions, Comments? Email Mark Persons teki@mwpersons.com |
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More about Gilbert Lodge |
page last edited 09/25/2017
