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It is a privilege and an honor to represent the
American Ex-Prisoners of War for the state of
New Mexico. This historic monument commemorates
the lives of the brave and courageous men who
served in the 200th and 515th Coast Artillery
during World War II.
It is said that “a man is not dead until he is
forgotten.” The Bataan-Corregidor Memorial
Foundation of New Mexico has established a
memorial that will serve and stand as a
perpetual, silent reminder of the New Mexico
sons who hold the distinction of being the most
highly decorated men of battle during World War
II.
The long anticipated honor for the courageous
heroes now becomes a reality. Each family son’s
name appears on the memorial, recorded for
posterity as a testimony to the admirable human
spirit that in difficult conditions never lost
its moral strength and righteousness.
The legacy we leave comes with the high price of
being Prisoners-of-War for three-and-one-half
years — from April 9, 1942 to August 15, 1945.
Upon unconditional surrender, the indescribable
horror began when we were forced onto the
infamous Bataan Death March to Camp O’Donnell,
the first of many prison camps that would be our
homes.
As a survivor, I know that every American POW
holds the torch of freedom very high. I feel
that it is my personal responsibility to help
educate students about this experience. In fact,
the first question I ask them is, “In your
American history textbooks, is there any mention
of the war in the Philippines?” The answer is
always, “no.”
Because of a united front comprising courageous
men and women, our wounded nation eventually
regrouped. Many fought and died so all Americans
can enjoy their freedom. Sixty years later, we
now honor them with a memorial for the world to
see and remember.
We are fortunate to live in the United States of
America. This is a country that will
continue to honor its military veterans with
dignity and pride. A dream becomes a
reality today and an important promise has been
kept.
Alexander H. Mathews, H Btry. 200th CA(AA)
New Mexico 2001-2002 State Commander
American Ex-Prisoners of War
April 7, 2002 |
