Bataan Memorial Death March
On 21 March 2026, Canadian Element NORAD (CANELEMNORAD) participated in the 37th annual Bataan Memorial Death March (BMDM) alongside over 6000 other participants at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The 7-person group, led by WO Auyeung, consisted of Maj Choy, Capt Eddison, PO1 Jowett, PO1 Terry, WO Auyeung, Sgt Keomanyla, and Ms. Wilbee.
The BMDM commemorates the Bataan Death March in World War II. On April 9, 1942, approximately 76,000 Filipino and American military members surrendered to Japanese forces after fighting the Battle of Bataan. As prisoners of war (POWs), they were forced to march over 60 miles to Camp O’Donnell, their primary prison camp. Under conditions that post-war trials would deem as war crimes, approximately 54,000 American and Filipino POWs survived the march, and later thousands died at their prison camps and in “hell ships” bound for Japan and China. According to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, only one-third of the men who defended Bataan survived the war. Four months earlier, Canadian military members surrendered in the Battle of Hong Kong and would suffer similar atrocities.
Since 1989, the New Mexico State University Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) “Bataan Battalion” has sponsored an annual commemorative march. Several Canadian members and units have individually participated in the BMDM in previous years, but this was CANELEMNORAD’s inaugural participation as a group. For 2026, the event was shortened from 42.2km to 25km due to record temperatures exceeding 37 degrees Celsius, but it was very well-supported by volunteers and staff throughout the course. Notably, several American participants attached memorials to their packs of family and friends who were survivors of Bataan and other operations, and members of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD-5) participated for the first time.
The time and effort required for training is significant, especially for those who participated in the Heavy category, as it included an additional 35 pounds of weight in their packs. Ultimately, the training and effort paid off, and all members successfully completed the 2026 event.
From the CANELEMNORAD BMDM participants, thank you for the support from CANELEMNORAD leadership, PSP/CFMWS, and, most importantly, families and spouses.
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