Bataan Death March Run for the Fallen

After the Allied surrender to Lieutenant General Masaharu Homma of the Imperial Japanese Army at the conclusion of the Battle of Bataan in World War II, over 60,000 American and Filipino POWs were force to march 85 miles from Mariveles and Bagac Town to Camp O'Donnell. Due to the atrocities and war crimes committed over the six day journey, the relocation of these prisoners of war would come to be known as the Bataan Death March. The Allied soldiers were given one meal during the march and little to no water. Those who collapsed from exhaustion and dehydration were left to die or killed on the spot by "Clean Up Crews". Those still walking transported what injured they could in an attempt to save their lives, often unsuccessfully.  Torture and executions were common and widespread along the route leading to General Homma's arrest in 1945 and subsequent indictment for war crimes and crimes against humanity, he was found guilty one year later. Multiple mass graves were dug along the route to discard the remains of the 650 Americans and 18,000 Filipinos lost, they can still be seen today. 

Roper's Veterans Network would like to honor these fallen heroes with virtual marathon. Starting September 18th (National POW/MIA Recognition Day) through Veterans Day on November 11th the plant will have a cumulative goal of running 753 miles (1 mile for each American life lost, 18 miles for the 18,000 Filipino lives lost, and the 85 miles of their journey).