Capas National Shrine - A view from the sky

On April 9th 2003, Capas National Shrine was unveiled by the Philippine government in Tarlac, Philippines as a memorial to the American and Filipino servicemen who took part in what was to become known as the Bataan Death March.

Following the surrender to the Japanese in April 1942 approximately 76,000 soldiers were forced to make an arduous 66 mile march from Bataan to San Fernando where they completed the final part of their journey by railway. Due to the harsh treatment by the Japanese, malnourishment and dysentry, many did not make it.

The shrine consists of a 70m obelisk that is surrounded on three sides by black marble walls. The walls are inscribed with the names of some of the Filipino servicemen who are known to have lost their lives.

There are no marble slabs or crosses in the 56 hectare site, but instead 31,000 trees have been planted in memory of the 25,000 Filipino and 6,000 American soldiers who lost their lives during the march and in the prison camps.