Students, veterans load up, march in footsteps of World War II heroes

A strong morning sun cast appropriately long shadows on the road Saturday as if to herald the advance, one by one, of student cadets and veterans on a commemorative march to honor a brave group of World War II prisoners of war.

Originally conceived and sponsored by the Air Force JROTC at San Marcos High School, in coordination with the Maurice T. Suttles VFW Post #3413, as word got out, other groups and veterans organizations asked to participate in the first Memorial Bataan March in San Marcos.

Maj. Anthony Williams, the instructor for the program at SMHS, said after the march, “It was an eye-wetting event. Kids learning about history. Kids involved in making a difference.”