JROTC members participated in the Bataan Memorial Death March in White Sands New Mexico over Spring Break.

The 26-mile march honors a group of World War II heroes who defended the Philippine Islands. It ran through the high desert terrain of the White Sands Missile Range.

“It was the toughest march we have ever done; it was definitely very challenging,”  senior Joe Ray said.

The Bataan Death March took place in the Philippines in 1942. The 82-mile march occurred after the three-month Battle of Bataan, part of the Battle of the Philippines.

“U.S troops were forced to march over 60 miles during harsh conditions by the Japanese,”  senior Benito Ibanez said.