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Annual Bataan Memorial Death March Helps Bring Food to New Mexico’s Hungry

Las Cruces, NM – This past Sunday hosts of the Annual Bataan Memorial Death March asked participants in the heavy division not only to march 26.2 miles, but also to carry an additional 35 pounds in their backpack in an attempt to experience the stress of what soldiers endured in 1942 during their 65 mile forced trek.  Many of them carried food in their backpacks and elected to donate it to two hunger-relief partners once they completed the journey.

The march is held annually in honor of service members who defended the Philippine Islands in the Pacific Theater during World War II at White Sands Missile Range. Prisoners of War (POW’s) were forced to march 65 miles in the scorching heat and jungles of the Philippines, resulting in thousands of deaths. Those who lived faced the hardships of the POW camp with many dying of disease, torture and exhaustion. Among those taken were members of the 200th Coast Artillery, New Mexico National Guard. Thousands of marchers take place in the marathon-style event year after year.

The annual event has been collecting food for the benefit of hunger-relief organizations in the area for many years. This year, Roadrunner Food Bank and its partner agency Casa de Peregrinos worked together to help collect non-perishable food provided by participants.  In total, 27,510 pounds was collected.  More than 9,300 pounds went directly to Casa de Peregrinos.  Roadrunner Food Bank collected another 18,154 pounds of food which will benefit Casa and other hunger-relief partners of the Food Bank’s in the Las Cruces area. During the 2016 Bataan Memorial Death March participants gave 24,334 pounds of food.

Melody Wattenbarger, president and CEO of Roadrunner Food Bank said, “The efforts of participants are simply amazing.  We are inspired by your incredible journey, your generosity, and honoring our military and veterans. Thank you for continuing to be partners in giving back.”  

“This event pays homage to the sacrifice of American service members in one of the most beautiful and memorable ways. This amazing expedition by so many who never want to forget their sacrifice also brings a message of kindness and generosity to the communities in our area. We are blessed and grateful,” said Lorenzo Alba, Jr., Executive Director of Casa de Peregrinos

For information about the annual Bataan Memorial Death March, visit www.bataanmarch.com