WW2 memorial march relives Filipino valor
Relive the uncommon valor of the Filipino freedom fighters during World War 2 as the country observes the 75th anniversary of the infamous Death March on April 11.
The Capas Freedom March retraces the last miles that fateful day where more than 76,000 Filipino and American soldiers where forced by the Japanese Imperial Army to walk from Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga.
From there, they were hauled into train coaches to Camp O’Donell in Capas, Tarlac. Only 54,000 reached the camp as some 10,000 died along the 106-kilometer ordeal. Thousands more later died due to famine, diseases and poor sanitation.
Themed “March For A Veteran,” the event is now on its third year and is co-organized by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) and the Department of National Defense-Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, and copresented by the Department of Tourism and the Tourisms Promotion Board in partnership with the province of Tarlac and the municipality of Capas.
Former president Fidel Ramos will again be the keynote speaker and will lead the 10-kilometer march from the People’s Park to the Capas National Shrine at 4 a.m.
Joining him are PVAO administrator Ernesto Carolina, Tarlac governor Susan Yap-Sulit and Capas mayor Reynaldo Catacutan.
According to AAP Travel president Mina Gabor, war veterans, their families and friends, socio-civic groups, government employees, military personnel, AAP members and volunteers will join the march to immortalize the sacrifice of the freedom fighters.
She said that this year’s edition is unique as it integrates CFM with two other PVAO-sanctioned events – the Bataan Freedom Run and the Padyak para sa Kagitingan.
Now collectively known as the Mariveles San Fernando Capas Freedom Trail, it is the biggest Death March commemorative activity which seeks to promote freedom, world peace and international goodwill.
Gabor added that the March is the AAP’s way of promoting domestic tourism through mo- toring by visiting historic spots to help Filipinos learn from the lessons of the past.
Registration fee is P200 for schools and local government units, P250 for individuals and P300 for corporate participants. Proceeds will go to the restoration of the Capas Train Station.
For details, call 705-3333 or 0928-5074288 or email capasfreedommarch@gmail.com.