Bataan Memorial March, Brainerd, MN

This is an annual event commemorating the Bataan Death March in April 1942 when captured U.S. prisoners were forced to walk 60 miles in the Bataan Peninsula of the Philippines in World War Two.  Some 64 Brainerd National Guardsmen were involved and only 32 survived to return home after the war.  Also see Bataan ceremonies in March.

September 10, 2022:  Hundreds assembled for a ceremony at the Brainerd National Guard Armory.  They heard from the 194th AR Battalion Commander Lt. Colonel John Hobot who told the crowd of the sacrifices of the men back then.  He presented an award to the family of Bataan survivor, Walt Straka, who died in the last year.  The Brainerd Honor Guard was there to present the flag.

It was ready, set and go.  They were off to walk and/or run 13.1 miles.

They were greeted people holding flags and applauding.  Four rest stops along the way helped.

The POW-MIA group was there with a hot air balloon.  Soldiers were thanked by civilians along the way.  And, of course, there was plenty of talk about how it went when they were back at the armory for a meal.

Winners were given ribbons by LTC John Hobot. Coming in first with a time of 1 hour, 28 minutes and 16 seconds was Samuel Hanson of St. Cloud. Second was Carl Segelstrom from Mora. Brandon Davis was third.