NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
Holly Bookwalter, supervisory security assistant with DLA Installation Management Susquehanna recently participated in the 30th annual Bataan Memorial Death March held in the high desert at the White Sands Missile Range near Las Cruses, New Mexico.
The march – a full marathon, covering paved roads and sandy trails – is a commemoration of the American and Filipino soldiers in World War II who were forced by the Imperial Japanese Army to march 65 miles through the jungle. During the march, soldiers were brutally tortured and many died from the rough conditions, mistreatment or execution. Survivors of the march were then placed in prisoner of war camps.
Each year, survivors and thousands of supporters from around the world gather to participate in the event. This was Bookwalter’s third time completing the 26.2 mile course.
“I learned about the Bataan Death March from my stepmother whose father survived it and was then forced to work in mines as a prisoner of war,” explained Bookwalter. “I never had the opportunity to meet her father, but I wanted to honor his memory and sacrifice to our country. This year was the fifth memorial march my stepmother has completed.”
Bookwalter explained the event offers different divisions for participation, including an honorary march that is shortened to 14.2 miles to accommodate individuals who do not want to or cannot complete the full march.
“I participated in the individual civilian female light division,” said Bookwalter. “In the future, I would love to do the march in the heavy division, carrying a 35 pound rucks or backpack filled with nonperishable food items that are donated to local food banks at the end of the race.”
Bookwalter went on, “You really get to see and meet some extraordinary people during this event – survivors of the original Bataan, veteran’s, wounded warriors, ROTC cadets, current military members, foreign military members and so many more, each with a story of their own to tell .”
Additionally, she said, “As a member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and a civil servant I think it is important to remember why and who we serve. The debt owed to those who sacrificed their lives can never be repaid, but we can remember and honor them for their sacrifice.”
For Bookwalter, the march is more of a mental challenge than physical.
“Don’t get me wrong, you have to train for this. If you don’t train properly, there will be severe consequences – blisters, muscle fatigue – but by putting yourself in the correct mindset, you realize the pain you are going through at mile 16 or mile 24 is nothing compared to what the original soldiers had to endure during the Bataan Death March of 1942,” she said.
Bookwalter says she does plan to participate in the march in the future. “Maybe not every year, but as many times as I am able.”