Quinten Alvord, Marietta R. Barrios, Bonnie Sorci, Gwen Barrios Alvord, and Pablo Lozano, from left, take part in a wreath-laying ceremony during the Bataan Remembrance Day Ceremony at Bataan Park in East Bremerton on April 11. Marietta Barrios is the widow of Vincent Barrios. They donated the land for Bataan Park to the city of Bremerton in 1974. Sorci is the widow of Bataan Death March survivor Charles Sorci. “This beautiful park is in my district and I am so proud to be a Filipino and be here today,” said Bremerton council member Leslie Daugs (left). The Bataan Death March was a forced transfer of prisoners by the Japanese military during World War II. Thousands of prisoners died during the march. “My father and my grandfather were all part of the Bataan march. My grandfather died there and my father was a survivor in the Philippines during that time period, living in caves. So I have a strong tie to this memorial, this park and to the Filipino community,” Daugs said. “This helps us never to forget,” said Bremerton council President Greg Wheeler.
Members of Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, Bangor, left, and audience members listen to speakers at the Bataan Day ceremony.
Memorial plaque at Bataan Park in East Bremerton.
Suquamish Warriors Honor Guard 21-gun salute.
Lance Cpl. Ricardo Lenoir, Pfc. Kenneth Esquivel and Sgt. Matthew Rhodes hold the Philippines flag.
