Members of the Lake Chelan Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6853 mustered at Old Mill Bay Park in Manson at 0500 on April 16, 2022, embarking on their 1st Annual Bataan Memorial Death March, seven miles along Highway 150 to Chelan and the VFW bunker.
A Short History Lesson
The day after Japan bombed the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, the Japanese invasion of the Philippines began. On April 9, 1942 the United States surrendered the Bataan Peninsula, on the Philippine Island of Luzon to the Japanese. Approximately 75,000 Filipino and American troops on Bataan were forced to make a grueling 65-mile march to prisons at Camp O’Donnell, northwest of Manila. The marchers made the trek in intense heat and were subjected to cruel treatment by Japanese guards. Thousands perished during the march that began on April 9 and ended on April 17, 1942, in what became known as the Bataan Death March.
On September 2, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri, in Tokyo Bay, Japan formally surrendered to the Allies, bringing an end to World War II. The end of the war secured the release of captive soldiers who had suffered in confinement camps for two and a half years. About one-third of the prisoners died from health complications after they were freed. Walt Straka from Minnesota was the last survivor of the infamous Bataan Death March. He passed away July 4, 2021 at the age of 101.
Remembering Our Comrades
“We came out today to honor our comrades that paid the ultimate sacrifice, their life,” said Butch Sims, VFW Quartermaster. “I cannot even imagine what terror, fear and despair our troops
endured as they were herded like cattle, on their way to slaughter, during the 65-mile march.” said Colin Hill, VFW member. Ian Schuelke, VFW Senior Vice Commander summed it up saying, “over time, people tend to forget sacrifices made by our brothers. We are not going to let that happen.”
Next year the VFW plans to grow this event, include more people, young and old, remembering our heroes. VFW Post 6853 meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm at the “Bunker” located at 427 S Bradley Street. For more information email chelanvfw@gmail.com
By Norm Manly
Post Service Officer
Manson America Legion
