"Some of the last living members of a storied American military unit from World War II are spending the weekend in Tacoma, along with family members and history buffs. "The annual reunion of the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society, whose senior members are Bataan Death March veterans, is being held today and Saturday at the La Quinta Inn and Suites, 1425 27th St. E. "Organizers say the public is welcome. Some of the sessions that might be of broader interest include "Help Me Understand My Connection" at 3:30 today; a documentary film called "Forgotten Soldiers" at 10 a.m. Saturday; a veterans panel at 11 a.m. Saturday; and "The Scouts Story Through Artifacts and Memorabilia" at 3 p.m. Saturday." FOB Tacoma - ยป Legendary WWII survivors, the Philippine Scouts, gather in Tacoma The News Tribune Blogs, Tacoma, WA
Why am I always over a thousand miles away from things like this? Major air show and exhibits in Ohio, Re-unions of WW2 vets that are open to the public in Washington, etc. It would be nice if any members who live close could attend and post their experiences.
I will. But I still need to download my gazillion pictures and videos. Because Tacoma is a little far removed from where most of these men retired (California), not as many were able to attend since it's harder for these men to travel these days. It was however well attended by descendants both of the living and deceased. Here is a video montage from last year's though: YouTube - WW2 Philippine Scouts Reunion 2009 - version 2
26th Cavalry Trooper Dan Figuracion pose with pose by a jeep in 1917A1 helmet and M1 garand (the 26th Cavalry PS were already armed with Garands in the Philippines at the outbreak of war - so were the other Scout infantry units) (click for bigger) Some of the surviving vets who were able to attend. With reenactors Lt. Col. Ed Ramsey who wrote the book "Lt. Ramsey's War" - He led the US Army's last tactical horse cavalry charge with his troop of Phil. Scouts Various displays by individuals and reenactor groups A vet signing a Bataan book A vet playing craps with reenactors
Here's a video montage from the 2010 reunion: YouTube - Philippine Scouts Reunion 2010 - WW2 Bataan Veterans
