Annual Remembrance Ceremony of Bataan
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The Annual Bataan Remembrance event is held at the Brainerd National Guard Armory, 1115 Wright Street, in South Brainerd on or about April 9th each year.
Tuesday, April 9, 2024: The Fall of Bataan 82nd Anniversary Wreath Laying Ceremony was held at the Brainerd National Guard Armory. Company A of the 194th Tank Battalion bravely fought the Japanese at the beginning of World War Two in the Battle of Bataan. American and Filipino soldiers surrendered after running out of ammunition, food and medical supplies. Attendees at this gathering were told of Japanese cruelty to prisoners of war beginning on April 9, 1942, in the Philippines. Thousands were killed by Japanese in the Bataan Death March. Of the 64 National Guardsmen who left Brainerd, three were killed in action and 29 died as prisoners of war in this war crime. Only 32 survived to return home. Remember Bataan, never forget was the chant.
The Brainerd Honor Guard was there to present the flag.
Philippine food was served after the ceremony.
April 6, 2023: The Brainerd Honor Guard was a part of the Bataan Remembrance. Speakers included Major Michael Popp and Colonel Joshua Guyse who told the story of Japanese atrocities against the Philippine people and prisoners of war. Of the 64 American officers and men in the 194th Tank Battalion, only 32 survived to return home after World War II. "Never forget" was a phrase frequently heard that day.
Names of the 64 were read and dog tags were put on the board, one at a time, in their honor. Prayers were said for all. Traditional Philippine food was served to the crowd by the FIL-AM Bayanihan Group.
Names of the 64 were read and dog tags were put on the board, one at a time, in their honor. Prayers were said for all. Traditional Philippine food was served to the crowd by the FIL-AM Bayanihan Group.
April 9, 2022: The 80th anniversary of the fall of Bataan in the Philippines, April 9, 1942, at the beginning of World War Two. It was February 1941 when Brainerd's 34th Tank Company was federalized and sent to the Philippines to help protect the country. Japanese attacked on December 8, 1941. Americans and Philippine troops fought bravely and successfully until they ran out of ammunition, food and medical supplies. Surrender seemed the best course of action to save lives. Then the Japanese forced the captured to walk 60 miles to a prison camp without food or water in the tragedy known as the Bataan Death March. Of the 64 soldiers who left Brainerd, three were killed in action and 29 died as prisoners of war in this war crime. Only 32 survived to return home.
Speakers in Brainerd on April 9, 2022, included Santiago "Sonny" Busa, who was born in the Philippines and immigrated to the US with his father, a US Navy Chief Petty Officer. He is a retired diplomat with over forty years of government service as an Army officer and Foreign Service officer with the US Department of State. Also speaking was Major General Lang (retired). It was stated that descendants should be proud of their heritage. Congressional Gold Medals were given to the families of Julius Knutsen and Herbert Strobel. Both are presumed dead in Bataan. Dog tags with the names of the 64 were hung on a display.
Other speakers included Chaplain Todd Wooden, LTC John Hobot, and Champlain Carroll Janzen. There was a three-volley gun salute by the Brainerd Honor Guard along with Taps.
Speakers in Brainerd on April 9, 2022, included Santiago "Sonny" Busa, who was born in the Philippines and immigrated to the US with his father, a US Navy Chief Petty Officer. He is a retired diplomat with over forty years of government service as an Army officer and Foreign Service officer with the US Department of State. Also speaking was Major General Lang (retired). It was stated that descendants should be proud of their heritage. Congressional Gold Medals were given to the families of Julius Knutsen and Herbert Strobel. Both are presumed dead in Bataan. Dog tags with the names of the 64 were hung on a display.
Other speakers included Chaplain Todd Wooden, LTC John Hobot, and Champlain Carroll Janzen. There was a three-volley gun salute by the Brainerd Honor Guard along with Taps.
