Commemoration of the 84th Anniversary of Bataan Death March in San Francisco
Left: Consul General Arnel Talisayon (back row, right) marches with Vice Consul Maria Elena Arenas of the Consulate General of Mexico in San Francisco at the wreath-laying ceremony during the 84th anniversary commemoration of Bataan Death March at the San Francisco National Cemetery. Right: Tribute to the WWII nurses
(San Francisco PCG photos)
SAN FRANCISCO, USA – Amid gloomy weather in the city, the U.S. veterans, officials of military and law enforcement, and members of the Filipino American community gathered in solemn remembrance to mark the 84th anniversary of the Bataan Death March. The ceremony, organized by the Bataan Legacy Historical Society and led by its Founder and Executive Director, Ms. Cecilia Gaerlan, was held at the San Francisco National Cemetery on 11 April 2026.
This year’s commemoration, themed “Honoring Our World War II Nurses,” underscored the vital contributions of World War II nurses.
Consul General Arnel Talisayon paid tribute to the Filipino and American veterans of World War II who valiantly fought during the war and underscored the contributions of World War II nurses, particularly highlighting the Angels of Bataan and Corregidor.
“We pay tribute to the brave men and women of our two countries who stood side by side and defended freedom, no matter the cost. At the Shrine of Valor in the Philippines last Thursday, our President laid a wreath to honor those who stood firm in the face of adversity,” Consul General Talisayon said.
“On this solemn occasion, we also lift up a group of heroes whose contributions have long been underrecognized: the World War II nurses who served with extraordinary bravery and compassion. They worked tirelessly in Army and Navy Corps Hospitals, often under fire, in extreme conditions, and with limited resources. They cared for the wounded, comforted the dying, and provided hope in the darkest of times. Among them were 31 selfless and courageous Filipina nurses known as the Angels of Bataan and Corregidor,” he added.
Consul General Talisayon also highlighted the milestone commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Philippine-US diplomatic relations this year, noting that the two nations have built a partnership grounded in shared history, mutual respect, and enduring cooperation.
Lieutenant General Mary K. Izaguirre, Surgeon General of the U.S. Army, delivered the keynote address during the ceremony, honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who endured one of the most harrowing chapters of World War II. She honored the nurses who answered their nation’s call and served with honor, compassion, and courage. She added, “They provided hope and humanity in a place when both of these were under siege. At a time when typical human instinct would have been to leave for self-preservation, they chose selfless service instead.”
During the event, U.S. Congressional Gold Medals were awarded to the families of Filipino World War II veterans, presented by LTG Izaguirre, MG Taguba, U.S. Armed Forces flag officers, and San Francisco City and County Sheriff Paul Miyamoto. Following the “tolling of the bells,” Consul General Talisayon and Mexican Vice Consul Maria Elena Arenas led a wreath-laying ceremony in remembrance of the Fall of Bataan and the Bataan Death March.
As a tribute to the nurses of World War II, the program included an Offering of White Roses and the Presentation of a Lamp by the nurses. An aerial flyby by the Memorial Squadron over the Golden Gate and the San Francisco National Cemetery served as the ceremonial capstone of the event. END
Families of the veterans receive the Congressional Gold Medals on behalf of the World War II veterans(San Francisco PCG photos)
Tolling of the bells for the fallen soldiers of WWII (San Francisco PCG photo)
Consul General Arnel Talisayon (4th from the left) with Lieutenant General Mary K. Izaguirre, Surgeon General of the US Army (5th from the left), MG Antonio Taguba, USA, (Ret), Chair of Filipino Veterans & Recognition Educational Project (3rd from the left), San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto (leftmost), RADM Jon Yuen (2nd from the left), MG Eldon Regua (3rd from the right), Ms. Toni Bernardo (6th from the left, holding a photo), daughter of congressional medal awardee Private Narciso Viray, Mr. Rod Marquez (9th from left), grandson of congressional awardees 1Lt. Protacio Combes and Private Dionisio Marquez, Mr. Oscar Aban (rightmost), son of congressional medal awardee Private Romeo Aban, with flag officers. (San Francisco PCG photo)
Left: Consul General Arnel Talisayon delivers his message during the commemorative program; Right: Consul General Talisayon with with Ms. Cecilia Gaerlan, Founder and Executive Director of Bataan Legacy Historical Society (San Francisco PCG photos)
Consul General Arnel Talisayon (5th from the left) and Deputy Consul General Maria Paz Cortes (2nd from the left) with the families of the Congressional Gold Medal awardees and members of the Filipino American community (San Francisco PCG photo)
Consul General Arnel Talisayon (5th from the left) and Deputy Consul General Maria Paz Cortes (2nd from the left) with the families of the Congressional Gold Medal awardees and members of the Filipino American community (San Francisco PCG photo)
Offering of White Roses in honor of WWII nurses (San Francisco PCG photo)