Courtesy: event press release

The Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range, scheduled for March 30, 2002, is cancelled.

Due to the current world situation and extensive military deployements among the unites that support the march, the event cannot be safely and efficiently conducted, according to event organizers.

A basic amount of military medical support and logistical equipment is critical to the safety of all involved in the march. In 2002, more than 200 trained medical workers manned aid stations along the route.

Currently, medical personnel from Fort Bliss, Texas, who staff the aid stations are scheduled to deploy. Also because of deployments, support equipment such as tents, water trailers and military vehicles from Fort Bliss and New Mexico National Guard are not available.

"As much as we dislike cancelling the march, it is the right thing to do at this time," said White Sands Missile Range Commander Brig. Gen. William F. Engel. "After consulting with our co-sponsors and weighing the available assets against what we need for a safe march, it is my decision that we will not proceed with this event."

Organizers of the memorial march at White Sands Missile Range are in the process of refunding entry fees to those who have already registered.

The annual Bataan Memorial Death March commemorates the heroism of World War II military personnel who were part of the 1942 Bataan Death March in the Philipines.

The course takes marchers through 26.2 miles of diverse and rugged desert terrain. The marchers compete either in teams or individually. Some marchers compete in the "heavy" division, carrying 35-pound rucksacks.

In 2002, more than 4,200 people from 45 states and three foreign countries came to the missile range to take part in the event.

For more information, call (505) 678-1256 or (505) 678-1134.