Since 1942

Maywood Bataan Day Organization 2025

They were barely more than kids, only in their teens and early twenties. Their buddies from Proviso High School called them “Weekend Warriors”. They were members of the 33rd Tank Company, 33rd Infantry Division of the Illinois National Guard based at the Armory in Maywood, Illinois…

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Manila Is Bombed – 1941 Newsreel

Found this interesting video on Archive.org:

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Dir. Brotonel thanked

MBDO Director Ed Brotonel represented the MBDO at the Commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Kalayaan Hall of the Consulate General of the Philippines on April 9, 2015. He received this very nice letter of appreciation from the Consul General. Thank...

Who is Russell W. Cochran?

A small stone memorial sits in Maywood Veterans Memorial Park at 1st and Oak Ave. in Maywood, Illinois. Inscribed on the monument is "This tree planted as a living memorial in memory of Russell W. Cochran. American Legion 133. VFW 2193." We know that Mr. Cochran was...

Kyle FitzGerald Elected Director

At the August MBDO Board Meeting, Kyle FitzGerald, Owner/Director at ReUse Depot in Maywood, Illinois, was approved as a Director-At-Large for the Maywood Bataan Day Organization. Please welcome Kyle to our Board. Here is some additional information Kyle shared with...

We Remember April 9th

Maywood Bataan Day Organization President Richard A. McMahon Jr. and Director Ed Brotonel joined members of the Philippine Consulate in Chicago to mark the 74th anniversary of the fall of Bataan in World War II. The Chicago-area has a deep and long-lasting memory of...

Bataan Descendant – Honor Flight Volunteer

Just received the following note from Nancy Martin, daughter of PVT William Hauser, Co. B, who passed away in 1983. I am a volunteer with Honor Flight Chicago. We are looking for any WWII vets that have not had the opportunity to take the Honor Flight to...

Audio files – 77th Maywood Bataan Day 2019

Here are some audio excerpts from this year's Bataan Day in Maywood, Illinois. Opening remarks by Maywood Mayor Edwenna Perkins Guest Speaker Philippine Consul General of Chicago, Dr. Gina A. Jamoralin Keynote address as delivered by State Command Sergeant Major Sean...

Fr. Ben Morin – 1920 – 2015

2nd Lt. Ben Morin fought the first US tank battle of WWII and was thought KIA for a time. He ended up as a POW and survived WWII to return home and make good on a promise he made to become a priest if he survived the war. He served as a priest for 68 years. We...

Lennel Grace Memorial Details

The Grace family has provided the service dates and times for Lennel Grace. Please forward to those who may wish to join in paying respect and mourning their loss and ours. Visitation: Friday, March 11, 4:00-8:00pm Wake: Saturday, March 12, 10:00-11:00am Service: ...

MBDO Director Lennel Grace

It is with heavy hearts that the Board of Directors of the Maywood Bataan Day Organization passes on the sad news that Director Lennel Grace passed away unexpectedly Thursday night. Lennel was not only an active Board member for the MBDO, but a tireless advocate for...

VFW Magazine recognizes MBDO efforts

While cleaning out a closet on a cold wintry day, I found this article from the April 2009 VFW Magazine. The VFW has always supported our efforts,both locally, and across the country. This is a great remembrance of the mission of the Maywood Bataan Day Organization...

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The Maywood Bataan Day Organization will remain well-positioned to perpetuate the memory of why Maywood marks Bataan Day on the second Sunday of September. Through the efforts of the MBDO, and the support of those who hold these memories as sacred as the MBDO does, no one will ever forget the sacrifice of these brave soldiers in WWII – or the dedication and support of their families through their long captivity.

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