19th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March

More of a memorial than a race.  This is what the Bataan Memorial Death March is all about.  A record number of over 4,400 soldiers and civilians came together at the White Sands Missile Range Base to pay tribute and honor to the soldiers who were in the original march in the Philippines during WWII.  It also pays tribute and honor to the sacrifices of those who have gone before them.  This year only three of the Bataan survivors answered the roll call during the opening ceremony.  Veterans from other war theaters were on hand also.

Following the opening ceremony a F-117 Stealth from the 49th fighter wing did a flyover dipping it's wing in salute to the Bataan Memorial.  The bottom of the Stealth was specially painted for this memorable flyover.

Thirty two amputees from Iraq and Afghanistan also took part in this March with almost all completing the entire 26.2 mile distance.  Soldiers and civilians alike, in the heavy division, carried a minimum of 35 pound packs the entire distance.  It was a perfect day until the wind picked up in the afternoon adding yet another obstacle to the runners and marchers.

NO MAMA, NO PAPA, NO UNCLE SAM ............ REMEMBER BATAAN