Bataan Death March shirt- organized by Garrett Haupt

During World War II, American and Filipino soldiers that served in the Philippines, were responsible for delaying the Japanese advancements at the mouth of Manila Bay. These soldiers were successful with this task until the attack on Pearl Harbor. During the Battle of Bataan, American and Filipino soldiers suffered from disease, wounds, extreme hunger, and encountered numerous casualties. These struggles eventually led to the defeat, surrender, and capture of American and Filipino soldiers. The horrific Bataan Death March began just three months after American and Filipino soldiers lost the Battle of Bataan.

Considered to be a historic tragedy, The Bataan Death March, forced nearly 80,000 American and Filipino prisoners to trudge 65 miles through the Philippines.  Starvation, sleep deprivation, lack of medical care, and harsh climate of the Philippines (heat, humidity, rain) made for a grueling trip. Additionally, if a soldier was unable to maintain the pace of others and/or faltered in any way, they may have been beaten, killed, or beheaded.

Derby High School students Garrett Haupt and Quinten Lashinski are privileged to announce that the14-mile honorary Bataan Memorial Death March will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 9:00 am. The community is invited to attend this free event and to participate at their own personal comfort level. The starting location for the march will be at the DHS parking lot.

Bataan Memorial Death March T-shirts can be purchased for $20.00 through Bittersweet and all proceeds will benefit the Derby American Legion.

Please join Garrett and Quinten as they honor and pay tribute to the American and Filipino soldiers who survived the march and/or made the ultimate sacrifice. This memorial march is also intended to honor all people that have served this great nation!