Thursday, April 2, 2009

Bataan Death March

Shaun and some of his friends participated in the 20th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March on Sunday, March 29. In 1942, 75,000 American and Filipino soldiers were captured by the Japanese and were forced to march (~60 miles) for days through the Philippine jungles. No food or water was given to them. Thousands died and those who survived became prisoners of war.

This annual march is to remember and honor those who were apart of that march. It is a trail marathon (26.2 miles) on pavement and sand through the desert and mountains. Shaun participated in the individual heavy which is where you carry 35+ lbs of weight in your rucksack. For most though the weight was more like 45+ lbs because they were carrying food and water. This weight did not count towards the total weight because it could be consumed. Shaun and his friends completed it in a little over 9 hrs which is awesome (they didn't cross the start line for about an hour because there were so many people). We are so proud of him and he is already saying he wants to do it next year, only he'll be more prepared next time around. It looked like we were coming into a battle field when people were crossing the finish line. Everyone is limping or lying down. And Shaun had some major blisters to show for it. He's doing a lot better today but he's still limping a little. I can only image the toll it took on their bodies. Some of the remaining survivors came and greeted those who participated. Unfortunately, I didn't see any of them when we got there.

Here are a few pictures: