First Friday Program
The Bataan Memorial Death March
February 5, 2016 at 7:00pm
The Bataan Memorial Death March is an annual commemoration of the
Bataan Death March attended by many of the survivors of the march, along
with thousands of supporters from around the world, held at White Sands
Missile Range, New Mexico. Held annually since 1990, this is a full
marathon, with a 15 mi (24 km) run for those who do not wish to run the
full course, covering paved road and sandy trails. It is regarded by
Marathon Guide as one of the top 30 marathons in the U.S. The memorial
march is a
tribute to the 1,800 Bataan prisoners who were from New Mexico. After
the men were liberated in 1945, only 900 returned to the state. A third
of those died from disease, drink, or suicide within a few years.
Mike Bilbo and his wife Barbara live in a house located on the site
of Ft. Stanton, and he is active in living history with the Fort Stanton
Garrison organization. He has completed the 26.2-mile Bataan Memorial
Death March at White Sands Missile Range numerous times, including in
the 1858 woolen Army uniform he wore to the museum presentation.
Join us for an informative and interesting evening.
Refreshments will follow the presentation.
