Remembrances along the River “Keeping the Filipino American community bonded and strong”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2026
Contact: Jon Melegrito, 202-361-0296

On a day when passing the time away meant enjoying a spring breeze and a clear, blue sky in the lush hills of Northern Virginia, Fort Hunt Park offered respite from current news of mass shootings and threats of war.

But on April 18, it is remembrances of a distant war that brought a community together. Each year, the Bataan Memorial Death March draws hundreds of families and friends, young and old alike, to share a common cause: to honor the service and sacrifice of Filipino World War II Veterans. More than 10,000 died in that march, and thousands more in prison camps.

On it’s 6th year, the BMDM on the Potomac has become a cherished community tradition, a ritual with its own rhythms:  somber reminiscences stirred by leafy trees and fresh waters, lively conversations among slow walkers, gasps for breath among the runners and more connections made across the table over home-cooked meals.

Alone, but mostly in groups, this year’s participants completed one, four or ten miles. But how far or how long doesn’t really matter. It’s the sharing along the way of untold stories of fierce battles waged in Bataan and Corregidor, of unimaginable valor and admirable duty to country, of unsung heroes fighting  under the American flag and paying the ultimate price, but betrayed soon after by the very country that put them in harm’s way – these, they will long remember.  

Embracing a legacy
Marching for the first time was Rain Lim, granddaughter of Vicente Lim, a World War II hero. “Upholding our forebears’ legacy is a mission we embrace with deep pride,” she said. “As a guardian of my family’s century-long history of service, we honor the fallen by continuing the mission. From the Root to the Fruit, the lineage remains unbroken.” Brigadier General Vicente Lim led the 41st Division in defense of Bataan, refusing to surrender during the Japanese occupation, a defiance that ultimately led to his execution and beheading.

“He gave everything so that we could stand free today,” Rain added. “Remember Bataan. Never Forget. They marched so we could stand. They walked through the darkness so that we could walk in the light of freedom.”

Harry Gordon Paragas, a member of the Filipino Young Professionals, said his walk that day was “roughly a tenth of the distance that 80,000 Filipino and American POWs marched in the Bataan Death March. But by this small march, we hope to honor and commemorate their sacrifice, and to keep remembering so that nothing as grave may ever happen again.”

To Ninety-year-old Johnny Arzadon, the walk along the scenic Potomac River brought memories of friends in the community who always find ways to come together for a common cause. His daughter, Jhett Epp and her two sons Jonathan and Alexander, daughters-in-law Cathy and Exie, and granddaughters Jane and Shirley were among the marchers. “I never want to miss this event, to honor those who endured the unimaginable during the Bataan Death March – heroes whose courage, sacrifice and resilience will never be forgotten,” Jhett said. “It was especially meaningful to share this moment with my family. And Dad, true to his spirit, insisted on walking and completed four miles. A quiet strength that reminds us exactly why we walk.”

Dedicating his run to his great grandfather who served as a scout during World War II, John Victoria, president of ACE NextGen DC, said “it was powerful to volunteer and witness people of all ages in the community come together to honor their sacrifice and keep their memory alive.” Added Jean-Luc Baldoza, a business owner and founder of Lux: “This annual event reminds us of history through running, jogging or walking for miles – efforts that are nothing compared to what was endured by those who came before us. I’m honored to be with different people moving for one purpose – that we should all learn from it.” The same sentiment was shared by Sky Angelic Navarro of FYP DC, who vows to “continue the legacy of resilience left by those who came before me.”

No one left behind
The presence of 98-year-old U.S. Navy veteran Remigio Cabacar added special significance to Saturday’s ceremonies. Along with contemporaries Leonardo Dayot Devera and Pete Sarmiento of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Mr. Cabacar did the honor of presenting the award medals to the more than 120 participants. “Aguray-ak,” he said in Ilokano, choosing to wait patiently at the finish line to shake their hands, rather than go home and rest.

“We were deeply blessed by the presence of a living testament to this history,” Rain Lim noted. “Their mission does more than preserve the past, it keeps our Filipino-American community bonded and strong. The fire of service continues to burn!”

As it has done every year, the Philippine Embassy was represented by Deputy Chief of Mission Bong Carino, Naval Attache Captain James Lugtu, Labor Attache Saul de Vries and their families.

‘A powerful reminder’
Carol Manilay-Robles, former president of the Philippine Nurses Association of Metropolitan DC (PNAMDC), hails the annual event as “a powerful reminder of why we serve. As nurses, we are proud to lead with compassion, presence, and purpose. We are always grateful to be part of a community that shows up and serves.” PNAMDC volunteers have selflessly served as First Aid providers every year since BMDM started, posting themselves at nurse stations along the march route.

Also assisting FilVetREP, the lead organizer, are the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5471 led by Ike Puzon and VFW Auxiliary headed by Lera Rickling; the Filipino Young Professionals, Philippine Chamber of Commerce President Michael San Juan and Ron Sagudan of the Veterans Administration’s Center for Minority Veterans. Donors and sponsors include Katie Perera of the Navy Federal Credit Union and Cristina Sison of Sison Homes and Associates.

Among the volunteers who helped with the day’s program and logistics are Matthew Aninzo, Bing Branigin, Ceres Busa, Sonny Busa, Stephanie Hendrick, Jeraldyne Herrera, Lida Peterson, Christina Marie Rodriguez, Rodney Salinas and John Victoria.

BMDM 2026 opened with a send-off ceremony, and ended with a Filipino buffet provided by Merlyn Eda of North Star.

The sun was still up as participants departed Fort Hunt Park. FilVetREP Chairman Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret) made sure everyone was accounted for, that no one was left behind.

“We will be back each year to honor the battling bastards of Bataan,” he said. “Because we all give a damn!” – Jon Melegrito

Save the date: BMDM on the Potomac, April 17, 2027, Ft. Hunt Park, VA

Photos courtesy of Bing Branigin, Carol Manalay Robles, Richard Villa Mercado and Christina Marie Rodriguez.

###

The Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP), is a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, community-based, all-volunteer national initiative whose mission is to obtain national recognition of Filipino and American WW11 soldiers across the United States and the Philippines for their wartime service to the U.S. and the Philippines from July 26, 1941 to December 31, 1946. For more information about Filipino WWII veterans and how to get involved, visit our website at www.filvetrep.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.