Photo By 1st Lt. Kenneth Toole | A Soldier from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 194th Armor Regiment takes off carrying...... read more read more
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By Spc. Nickolus Holmgard
1st Combined Arms Battalion, 194th Armor
Unit Public Affairs Representative
May 1, 2010
BRAINERD, Minn. - For thirteen years the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 194th Armor in Brainerd, Minn., has held a memorial event for the Bataan Death March which occurred after the loss of the three month Battle of Bataan during World War II. This May 1 memorial march allowed the local community and service members to come together and remember those that had fallen and celebrate those that survived that tragic march.
The Bataan Death March was a forced march of 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war across 60 miles of rough, muddy roads over the course of a week. With little food or water to sustain them in the jungle heat and harsh treatment, every one in four Soldiers did not live through the march. There were 59 survivors who belonged to the 34th Tank Regiment which later became the 194th Tank Regiment.
This year four survivors were able to attend the memorial march. To honor the men who participated in the Bataan Death March an annual 20 mile run/march is organized for civilians and service members to participate. This year the Patriot Guard, an organization known for honoring veterans, lead the march with the rumbling of their motorcycles.
The march begins with enthusiasm and energy but soon is tempered by the grim determination to complete the lengthy course.
Medals are given for top finishers in several classes for the both run and march with certificates of participation given to all of those that complete the course. This year the 20 mile run was completed in 2 hours, 40 minutes, 31 seconds by Mike Jacobs and the Heavy Ruck class (a minimum of 35 pounds) was completed in 3:45:12 by Glen Marshall. The winners of the Team Light Ruck class were the youngest 1st place winners this year.
Their team consisted of Lexi Zawatzke, 15; Sam Gottwalt, 15; Taylor Nelson, 14; Tori Magee, 15; and Korleen Edmond 15. When asked what inspired the young group to compete in this 20 mile run the girls responded, "Our parents are our inspiration, most of us have had parents who served and we wanted to honor them and other veterans."
| Date Taken: | 05.01.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 05.05.2010 09:15 |
| Story ID: | 49156 |
| Location: | BRAINERD, MINNESOTA, US |
| Web Views: | 338 |
| Downloads: | 171 |
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