Athens, OH – April 12, 2025 — On Saturday, April 12th, cadets from the Logan Air Force JROTC (OH-20221) completed their annual Bataan Death March Memorial Hike, honoring the legacy of the American and Filipino soldiers who endured the harrowing march during World War II.
This year’s hike began at West State Park in Athens and concluded at the Rocky Outdoor Gear Store in Nelsonville, covering approximately 14.17 miles of southeast Ohio trails and roadways.
The Bataan Memorial March is a solemn tribute to the more than 60,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war who were forced to march over 60 miles through the Philippine jungle in April 1942, following the fall of Bataan. The march, marked by starvation, physical abuse, and extreme conditions, resulted in thousands of deaths. The annual hike gives cadets an opportunity to reflect on this history and pay their respects through physical challenge and personal discipline.
Each year, Logan AFJROTC cadets take on the full responsibility of planning and executing the event. From mapping the route to organizing hydration stations and coordinating safety protocols, the hike serves as a leadership exercise as much as a memorial. It reflects the cadets' commitment to learning, service, and teamwork.
As they journeyed the 14.17 miles together, cadets experienced fatigue, perseverance, and camaraderie. Along the way, they were reminded that when we do hard things together, we become stronger together—a core lesson of both the memorial hike and the JROTC program.
The Logan Air Force JROTC remains proud to honor the memory of the Bataan marchers each year, ensuring their stories and sacrifices are never forgotten.
