Lest We Forget

Jan. 1941 The New Mexico National Guard was inducted into federal service. They were trained at Ft. Bliss and became the 200th Coast Artillery (AA). Sept. 1941 The 200th Coast Artillery (AA) was sent to the Philippines. Dec. 1941 Immediately after Pearl Harbor Day, the Philippines were attacked and invaded by the Japanese. Apr. 1942 The Americans in the Philippines surrendered to the Japanese and endured the atrocities of the Bataan Death March. 1945 After forty months of torture, deprivation and humiliation in Japanese prison camps, the P O W S were liberated. Approximately 900 of the 1800 New Mexico National Guardsmen had given their lives for their country On the 50th Anniversary of World War II this monument was erected to honor those Americans who were on the front lines at the beginning.