Bataan Memorial Death March attracts record number of veterans, soldiers and civilians

From the willful to the wounded, more than eight thousand people displayed patriotism on pavement at this year’s Bataan Memorial Death March.

“These people wouldn’t be here were it not for such true patriotism,” said Elena Branzaru, a marine veteran.

Branzaru, like many others, carried an American flag as well as a forty-pound sack of supplies, symbols of sacrifice. The veteran also marched in memory of her brother, Zack, who died in December.

Others marched a marathon-length course, healing injuries incurred overseas.

“We have choices to make,” said Earl Granville, who lost his leg after his vehicle encountered a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. “We could sit there and play a victim and pout about it, or, we could continue to challenge ourselves and not let it define who we are.”

Granville planned to march all 26.2 miles with a prosthetic leg, representing Operation Enduring Warrior.

“We honor, empower and motivate our wounded veterans to live an active lifestyle, be a part of a team again after their injuries and not let their injuries define who they are,” Granville said.

As a New Mexico native and granddaughter of a prisoner of a war, covering this event meant the world to me. My grandfather, Amado Romero, was stationed in Bataan, but managed to escape before the deadly march.

My grandfather was captured about a month later and spent the duration of the war in a Japanese camp. Upon liberation by American forces, Amado only weighed 98 pounds at 5’11.” However, he lived a long and happy life, dying at the age of 83 and leaving behind my grandmother, Ofelia Romero, and ten children.

In Sunday’s march, new generations had a chance to thanks and honor those who put their country first, like Paul Kerchum, who survived every mile of the death march. Kerchum had to work to overcome devastating post-traumatic stress. However, after all these years, he can find humor in his journey.

“One day I looked into the sky and I said, ‘Lord, is anything worse going to happen to me?'” Kerchum asked. “Then I got married,” he said, with a chuckle and a glimmer in his eye.

Kerchum’s nearly three decades of service to his country has unquestionably inspired the young aspiring soldiers who meet him.

A half dozen students traveled from Sam Houston State University to honor the sacrifices of veterans in World War II.

“They gave their all,” said Lt. Col. Mark Davis, a professor of military science at the school. “We don’t want to forget that. It’s really important.”