WHITE SANDS NATIONAL MONUMENT, N.M. (AP) — More than a dozen World War II veterans who lived through the Bataan Death March helped cheer on thousands at this year’s memorial march at White Sands Missile Range.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that more than 6,200 people walked or ran Sunday morning in the 25th annual Bataan Memorial Death March, which spans a marathon-length of 26.2 miles.
The day began with a ceremonial tribute to the survivors and soldiers who have died in the past year.
The Bataan Memorial Death March honors the World War II soldiers who suffered during the April 1942 march after thousands of American and Filipino service members surrendered to Japanese forces. Many died during the 80-mile march or became prisoners of war.
Around 1,800 New Mexico National Guard members endured the march.