Bataan Memorial Death March 2024
16 MARCH 2024
ASBURY PARK TO SEA GIRT AND BACK
Chapter 19 held its 3rd annual virtual Bataan Memorial Death March on the NJ Boardwalk from Asbury Park to Sea Girt. This march commemorated the 65-mile Bataan forced march in April 1942 where over 1000 American and 9000 Filipino allies died.
About 40 civilian and military marchers made this 14.2 mile memorial ruck / walk, some with 35lb packs. Beside Chapter 19, military associated marchers came from the 82nd Airborne Association, the 104th BEB (Brigade Engineer Battalion), the 63rd Army Band, Rutgers and Rowan Army ROTCs, and the Navy AMC 305th at Lakehurst NSA.
Two veteran groups, the Renaissance Veterans Club and Veterans of Westlake Country Club, set up a well-stocked water and refreshment stand at the midpoint. Chapter 19 members likewise set up a stand at the turn-around point. We got good exercise, made new friends, educated a few onlookers, and remembered Bataan.
