We will be having our Second annual Bataan Death March Memorial Hike on February 1, 2020 at Diamond Valley Lake Marina at 0700 - 3:30pm. Participating Cadets who complete the 14-mile hike will earn the Bataan Ribbon and certificate. Lunch will be provided and there will be water on the trail. Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. Bring a water container or camel Pack, sun protection, hat and sunglasses. Cadets may bring snacks. There is no cost All cadets are encouraged to attend and Guests are permitted. However, we request that when the cadet registers for the event they identify how many individuals will be attending so we can get an accurate count. Registration will begin Tuesday 1/27 in all classes.
The memorial hike is to recognize and honor the 60,000–80,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war during World War II (1939-1945), that were forcible transferred by the Imperial Japanese Army. The march began on 9 April 1942, after the three-month Battle of Bataan in the Philippines. The total distance marched was between 60 and 70 miles. Exact casualty figures are unknown. Estimates range from 5,650 to 18,000 deaths. The march was characterized by severe physical abuse and wanton killings, and was later judged by an Allied military commission to be a Japanese war crime.