22nd Annual Bataan Memorial Death March

A record number of soldiers and thousands of people from the borderland, both young and old, endured the 22nd Annual Bataan Memorial Death March – a physical event with a much deeper meaning.

“Good job sir, keep it up, keep going,” a volunteer yelled, as he cheered on groups of marchers.

Captain Robert Aguilar is one of more than 6,350 people who made it through miles and miles of challenging conditions at the most historic event held at White Sands Missile Range. Aguilar said he has served in the military for the past 24 years, but this is the fourth year in a row he has participated in the Death March with his son and daughter.

“We’re running uphill, in the sand and against the wind,” Aguilar said.

Aguilar completed 15 miles Sunday morning. The full 26.2 mile route is an even more grueling physical challenge.

“We’re just doing it to remember those who served and appreciate the freedoms we have in this country,” Aguilar said.

Volunteers passed out water along the way to help make it bearable, while participants also motivated each other.

“The best thing is to be running alongside all the soldiers and wounded warriors out there,” Aguilar said. “That’s the most, probably, encouraging part about the whole thing.”

Despite the gusty wind and blazing sun, marchers said the weather was nothing compared to what they imagined the World War II heroes once braved.

The event honors the American Soldiers who marched for days through Philippine jungles in 1942. Thousands died, and those who survived became prisoners of war.

“It was 60 miles for them and they had no food and water, and that was after they had been fighting for months already,” Aguilar said.

Even when the finish line is crossed, the patriotic meaning forever remains with those who made it.

“It’s just a great day to get out here and honor those who fought so valiantly and served so awesome.”