FILIPINO, AMERICAN SOLDIERS TO RETRACE BATAAN DEATH MARCH ROUTE IN HONOR OF WWII VETERANS
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES – On Saturday, Feb. 23, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. soldiers participating in Balikatan 2008 and assigned to Combined Task Force Fort Magsaysay will participate in a historic staff ride to honor the joint sacrifices made by Filipinos and Americans during World War II. They will be retracing key locations along the route of the Bataan Death March.
Participants include U.S. soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 200th Infantry from the New Mexico National Guard. The last time the New Mexico National Guard was in the Republic of the Philippines, they were fighting alongside many brave Filipinos soldiers defending the Philippines against the Japanese 14th Army during World War II. Family members of some of the soldiers currently serving in the 2nd Battalion, 200th Infantry endured the infamous Bataan Death March.
Philippine soldiers from the 68th Infantry Battalion (RP) and 7th Infantry Division (RP) will serve as guides for the U.S. soldiers during this historic staff ride.
Balikatan is an annual Republic of the Philippines and U.S. humanitarian assistance and training activity. This year’s activity opened on Feb. 18 and will conclude on March 3. During Balikatan 2008, Philippine and U.S. military service members will carry out community assistance projects and participate in training to improve maritime security and respond jointly in the event of natural disasters or other crises.
For additional information, contact the CJIB public affairs officer, Lt. Kevin Jane at 0906-502-5427, Sgt. 1st Class Sheryl Lawry at 0929-689-9698 or the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs office at 632-301-2363 or via email to mnlinfooffice@state.gov.
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