Thousands join Bataan Memorial Death March in New Mexico desert

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. – For nearly a decade, FilVetREP has been leading a group of veterans’ families and supporters each year in reenacting the Bataan Death March in New Mexico to honor the Filipino and American soldiers who endured the brutal march during World War II.

On March 21, the FilVetREP team returned to White Sands Missile Range for the 37th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March, joining 5,000 other participants from all over the United States.

The team, headed by retired Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba, included members of the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society, led by Paul Ruiz; USS Telesforo Trinidad Campaign, led by Col. Nonie Cabana; and the Filipino Veterans Group of Las Vegas, NV, headed by Angel Pena.

A Philippine delegation, led by Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, traveled from Manila to represent the country.

Philippine Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu (2nd from right) and members of the Philippine team take a break during the 15.6-mile course. CONTRIBUTED

Due to record-breaking heat in the Southwest, the traditional full-marathon course was reduced from 26 to 15.6 miles. More than a dozen FilVetREP team members marched with active-duty service members, veterans, ROTC cadets and civilians.

‘Unbreakable spirit’

“Eighty-four years ago, in the crucible of conflict, a terrible chapter in military history unfolded. A trial of unimaginable suffering. But it was also a testament to the unbreakable spirit of the human will,” said Col. Andrew “Drew” Morgan, US Army White Sands Missile Range senior commander, at the opening ceremony.

Col. Morgan said the event served as a “living memorial.” “Every step you take today across this challenging terrain and scorching heat is a tribute. It’s an act of remembrance that gives weight and meaning to the Army values we hold dear: the personal courage to start this journey, the loyalty to our nation’s ideals, the duty you fulfill in carrying their memory and the selfless service you demonstrate by serving your community, your mission and your country.”

He hailed the “spirit of resilience that defined the heroes of Bataan” as “the same spirit that fuels our mission today.”

Col. Morgan also acknowledged Maj. Gen. Taguba’s service to the Filipino veterans and for his “faithful support” for the annual event.

The Philippines was prominently featured at the opening ceremony, with the Philippine Flag on display and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem by the FilVetREP quartet – Matthew Aninzo, Jon Melegrito, Lida Peterson and Dan Gruta.

Congressional Gold Medal 

Recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal pose for a photo at the Post Theatre after the awards ceremony. CONTRIBUTED

In a separate event at the Post Theatre the day before the march, FilVetREP presented Congressional Gold Medals to the families of Private First Class Valentino Juanitas of the Philippine Scouts, Chief Petty Officer Leon San Juan Anterola of the US Navy and Private First Class Conrado V. Castroverde of Company H, 5th Infantry Regiment, Philippine Scouts.

Receiving the medals were Fernando Juanitas and his grandson Sean Juanitas, Cathy Johnson and Caesar Castroverde.

The medals were presented by Undersecretary Mapagu and Col. Don Mozer, WSMR garrison commander. FilVetREP Regional Director Sonny Busa assisted with the program.

FilVetREP Director Sonny Busa (right) and Maj. Gen. Taguba talk to West Point cadets participating in the Bataan Memorial Death March for the first time. CONTRIBUTED

In his remarks, Maj. Gen. Taguba said the ceremony was about “gaining recognition from our country, gaining respect for these soldiers, men and women alike, who endured the Bataan Death March and perished in prison camps.”

“But what was unknown and unwritten were more stories of hardship, injustice, discrimination that thousands experienced after the war in 1945,” he said.

A total of 1,604 Filipino veterans have received Congressional Gold Medals since the first awards ceremony was held in the Philippines in 2018,  Undersecretary Mapagu said.

“Moments like these remind us that the heroes we read about in history are real people whose courage helped shape the freedoms we enjoy today,” he said.

Col. Mozer said the presentation of the medals “is not just about remembrance – it is about connection.”

“To the families here with us, you carry the legacy of those who endured one of the most brutal chapters in military history,” he said. “Their story lives on through you. Their strength, their resilience, and their sacrifice are part of your family’s history – and now, part of our nation’s enduring legacy.”

The ceremony, now part of the annual Bataan Memorial Death March, was FilVetREP’s 127th since the US awarded the Congressional Gold Medal – the highest civilian honor – to Filipino World War II veterans on Oct. 25, 2017, for their honorable service and sacrifice. More than 270,000 Filipinos fought alongside American soldiers during WWII.

USS Telesforo Trinidad

Preceding the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony were two programs: the USS Telesforo Trinidad Commissioning and Duty to Country.

Retired US Navy Capt. Dan Gruta explained that the USS Telesforo Trinidad (DDG-139) is the planned 89th Arleigh Burke-class (Flight III) Aegis guided missile destroyer of the US Navy.

The naming of the warship after Fireman Second Class Telesforo Trinidad – the only Filipino in the US Navy to be awarded the Medal of Honor –recognizes the commitment, distinction and valor of thousands of Filipinos who have served for the past 120 years.

Duty to Country project

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FilVetREP Regional Director Rob Vasquez discussed the Duty to Country project’s goal of providing multiple education resources presenting the untold story of the Filipino Veterans of WWII. These resources are available to middle and high school students and fully accessible online.

“Teachers at middle and high schools across the country and in Hawaii will have the opportunity to learn, discuss, and discover this piece of American history. Historical and cultural institutions will be able to share this program with the public,” Vasquez said.

FilVetREP’s exhibit booth was heavily visited for two days. The merchandise and souvenirs included the graphic novel, “In the Shadows of Giants,” t-shirts and commemorative coins.

Volunteers Cita Gruta, Bing Branigin and Ceres Busa staff the FilVetREP exhibit booth. Other volunteers not in photo) include Lida Peterson and Gerry Cabana. CONTRIBUTED

Maj. Gen. Taguba thanked the volunteers for their “dedication to our mission to honor our veterans,” highlighting the veterans’ selfless sacrifice and uncommon acts of courage.”

“This band of veterans embodied the values of the Army creed – to never leave a fallen comrade, and to never quit,” he said.

Photos by Bing Branigin, Caesar Contraverde, Cita Gruta and Jeffry Priela-Tam

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