CAPAS, Tarlac — About 1,000 marchers finished the Bataan Freedom Trail 2019 which commemorates the 77th anniversary of the infamous Death March.
Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) Chairperson Roberto De Ocampo said the event aims to instill the values, bravery, sacrifice and love for country by retracing the actual 140-kilometer route of the Death March which covers the provinces of Bataan, Pampanga and Tarlac.
“The event, which challenges runners through gruesome and gritty courses, is our way of remembering, honoring and emulating the bravery and sacrifices of our World War II veterans during one of the darkest chapters of our country’s history,” De Ocampo stressed.
He also underscored that the historic march highlights the ability of all veterans to withstand all kinds of odds to keep the Philippines free.
Aside from this, Death March transformed American and Filipino soldiers from being “brothers in arms” to “blood brothers.”
Meanwhile, De Ocampo noted that PVB is the forefront in honoring the veterans and will do everything that it can for them to be remembered.
“PVB is going to do what it can to help the veterans and to promote the bank not only as a bank but as a monument to the deeds of the veterans through a history wall that displays souvenirs and photos of their bravery and valor,” he added.
Freedom Trail finishers included military reservists as well as soldiers from the Army Special Forces, 1st Scout Ranger Regiment, Air Force Special Operations Wing, Marine Battalion, Training and Doctrine Command, and the United States Navy Seal.
Other activities for this year’s Death March commemoration include Ride for Valor on March 10 and Bataan Freedom Run on April 14.