Freedom Run honors vets, heroes

MANILA, Philippines - Runners and families of World War II heroes gathered together for the Bataan Freedom Run last Sunday in time for the 75th Anniversary of Bataan Death March.

The event was graced by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as guest of honor and the run featured World War II reenactors from the Philippine Living History Society.

In honor of the country’s World War II heroes, Philippine Veterans Bank with Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), History Channel, and other partners, converged in Mariveles, Bataan, where the horrific march began for thousands of Filipino and American soldiers. 

“The Bataan Death March is probably the best known Philippine WWII event in the world. There were marches, commemorations and markers around the globe. But in the Philippines, we did this on the actual site of the Death March.”