Ann Peck Poet Rhyme

1942 Bataan Death March

THEY MARCHED* for miles in blistering heat
THEY MARCHED with nothing to drink or eat
THEY MARCHED as soldiers, Filipinos alike,
THEY MARCHED over trails others had hiked
BLOOD FILLED the path of those who balked
STOPPING MEANT death--thus, they walked
THEY MARCHED through mud caked to the thighs
THEY MARCHED on stones and hills that rise
SOME DROPPED from heat and thirst combined
SOME FROM slashes to throats from behind
THEY MARCHED together or marched alone
THEY MARCHED and marched into the unknown

Present-Day WSMR Bataan Death March Memorial

Each windy March over mountainous paths,
men and women brave Spring's gusty raths
Military groups join those walking alone--
a veteran in wheelchair, pushed by his son.
For exercise class, short march is their pick
others, with heavy packs, march twenty-six
Almost ten thousand from around the world
Many with their banners proudly unfurled.
Some view it a contest, some endurance test,
some view it a chance to perform their best.
Finally, they do it to honor those souls
who marched to death in war's bitter tolls.

*In April, 1942, approximately 20,000 New Mexico Guardsmen, from
all branches of service, and 50,000 Filipinos, were force-marched 66
miles across Bataan Island by the Japanese military near the end of
WW2. They endured extreme hardship and no food or liquid. 16,900
died during the march. Many others later died of dehydration or star-
vation. They are honored each year with a march. Often, many Japanese
join the march.

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Jacki Griffin March 16, 2023 at 5:34 PM So touching! Your granddaughter will be so moved and inspired even further! Ann Peck March 17, 2023 at 11:00 AM Thank you, Jacki. I'm so proud of her!

I Am Anaya March 16, 2023 at 11:32 AM Your tribute Ann, heart wrenching and informative. 65 miles long- The surrender, transport, & the march. Forsaken heros who endured physical abuse and wanton killings. The Bataan Death March had a large impact on NM, every year, early spring, Bataan Memorial Death March, a marathon-length 26.2-mile march/run is conducted at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico—your Bio Ann, from NM, glad you are finally writing! American soldiers have a gravestone honoring those who died. Hugs & thanks Ann Peck March 19, 2023 at 10:14 AM Thank you so much, Anaya, for your wonderful comments! My gdaughter and two running buddies are marching 26 with heavy packs today!! They've been running with packs for two years for this march. I'm so proud of her! :)

Anne E Sangster - K March 15, 2023 at 1:48 PM A excellent poem Ann that honours the memory of the victims of that horrific crime. Hugs to you my friend for writing this :-) Ann Peck March 18, 2023 at 10:41 AM Thank you so much, Anne! My gdaughter and her two running partners, are marching the long march this year! I'm so proud! :)

Joanna Daniel March 15, 2023 at 6:37 AM A horrible crime, Ann, but your poem honours their memory:) powerful:) Ann Peck March 15, 2023 at 9:07 AM Thank you so much, Jo, for taking the time to read this tome! I wanted to honor the men and women who were forced to march, but I also wanted to honor my grand-daughter who, along with her two running friends, is making the long march this year! Ann Peck March 15, 2023 at 8:25 AM Thanks for taking the time to read this saga, Jo! :) I wanted to honor those men and women and also my granddaughter who, with her two running partners, will be marching for the first time! :)

Victor Buhagiar March 15, 2023 at 2:52 AM Alas how useless war is. Ann Peck March 15, 2023 at 8:28 AM Useless, cruel--but a money-maker for the uber rich who, apparently, control things. Thanks for commenting, Victor :)