For Tata

“All our guns and machine gun placements were hit directly and nearly the whole area was burning because of incendiary bombs. We were not able to eat nor drink anything during those two days...The Red Cross hospital was bombed, leaving pieces of human bodies hanging on the trees and mangled bodies everywhere in sight. On April 9th, Gen. Wainwright ordered all Bataan forces to surrender. We were then ordered by the Japanese to line up on one side of the street without our guns and pistols."
~Excerpt from the Memoirs of Marciano Lim, my grandfather

My grandfather served in the United States Armed Forces of the Far East (USAFFE) in the Philippines during World War II. This excerpt tells of his escape from the Bataan Death March and his journey back home. Prisoners of war in the march were subject to starvation, beheadings, casual shooting, disembowelment, and bayonet stabbings. By seeking opportunity and seizing upon his courage, he was able to escape Japanese forces. He had to abandon his military clothing, including his shoes, and walk barefoot for miles while sick with malaria. He walked for three days. Sadly, upon his arrival he was told that his first child, a son, had died just a few days before.

Losing a child is unimaginable; as were many conditions faced by our elders. Somehow they were able to endure, love, and create life. How strong the force is that pulls us toward home and family. It is that force that is responsible for my existence today. And for, that I am grateful.

From T-B, L-R: Marciano Lim(grandfather), Miguela Lim(grandmother), Crispin Lim(uncle), Geronima Marcelino (aunt), Ana Nazareno(aunt), Denny Lim (my father), Miguela Lim, Marciano Lim, Lea Carnero(aunt).