Ramon Regalado was among tens of thousands of Filipino soldiers captured in World War II by the Japanese and forced to march 60 miles to a prison camp. Many of those prisoners who struggled during the long trek were beaten, shot and even beheaded, thus its name-the Bataan Death March.
According to the East Bay Times, Regalado, who died in his San Francisco Bay Area home town of El Cerrito, escaped and joined a resistance movement. He also went on to be a spokesperson for Filipino World War II veterans and was among those Filipino veterans who received a Congressional Medal for their heroism and service to the United States.
“It’s a very, very important thing,” Ramon Regalado said after receiving his medal while in his hospital bed in September. “We sacrificed together for four months without food, no supplies. I’m very proud to defend democracy.”
Services were held this week.
“He really embodied the qualities of the greatest generation and love for country,” said Cecilia Gaerlan, executive director of the Bataan Legacy Historical Society.
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RE: Bataan Death March Veteran and Leader Dies at 100: Condolences. The passing of history and heroism. A bygone era indeed has left us. We need to hear of present day hero’s to help inspire us all in our present day political and environmental struggles.