BATAAN ATROCITY

In the category of "better late than never," a bill has been introduced in the Senate to award the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation's highest civilian award, to U.S. soldiers who were prisoners of war at Bataan in the Philippines during World War II.

An unprecedented 76,000 American and Filipino troops surrendered to the Japanese on April 9, 1942, following the Battle of Bataan. Then came the infamous 60-mile "Bataan Death March," during which thousands of Americans were physically abused and murdered by their Japanese captors.

DAILY DOUBLE

"Jeopardy" host Alex Trebek is grand marshal of Saturday's always-spectacular National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, which runs (walks, marches and floats) along Constitution Avenue from Seventh to 17th Streets NW, 10 a.m. to noon.

We have it on good authority that the furry red Sesame Street character Elmo will be on hand, as well as "American Idol" finalist Kimberley Locke, who will be singing "Band of Gold." Grammy award-winning disco diva Thelma Houston will also perform "Don't Leave Me This Way," fresh off the release of her 22nd album.

And talk about timing, the city's cherry blossoms are at peak bloom for the parade, which features dozens of other celebrities.

(Trivia junkies take note: After the parade, the quiz show master Mr. Trebek will be holding "Jeopardy" tryouts from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Montgomery College's Germantown Campus.)