General MacArthur Memorial
Take at look at that amazing sunrise…..truly beautiful. Where I stood to take this picture happens to be on the shores of Tacloban city, which is on Leyte Island in the Philippines. This same view 70 years ago, in 1944, would have looked much different….let me explain.
When the Japanese attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor December 7th, 1941, they proceeded to invade surrounding islands in southeast Asia including the Philippines as well. The United States had been helping to prepare the Filipino army during this time in defending their country from attack. But by 1942, the Empire of Japan had overtaken the Philippines, pushing back Filipino and US troops. Even General MacArthur, who was instrumental in the training and positioning of the Filipino army, was asked to leave the country and did so, but not without promising the people he would return…..
Why would I be interested in this bit of history? Well right down the road from where I stayed in Tacloban, there is a memorial park dedicated to General MacArthur and those countries that aided the Philippines during World War II. And while I am not a historian, I did enjoy learning more about the significance of the memorial and how much of an impact the United States did have in the Philippines during WWII.
This structure, which is the main attraction of the park, was created from a famous photograph of General MacArthur, President Osmena, and staff returning to the Philippines as he had promised. The US and Filipino armies had collaborated a plan to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupancy.
And that is what they did. In 1945 after much battling throughout the islands of the Philippines, the Japanese forces surrendered. To this day, we see the Filipino gratitude towards the United States for its support for freedom during WWII.
When my friends and I visited the memorial, we happened to cross paths with Filipino soldiers who were also touring the area. The soldiers were thrilled that we were visiting their country and the memorial. They thanked us for our service work in the Philippines especially in light of Yolanda and the devastation it had a year ago on the country.
And as I look at this photograph, I appreciate and thank God for just what a neat opportunity it was..….for us to be at the very ground in which the US and Filipino troops fought together for their freedom with current Filipino soldiers was so special. I was humbled and expressed my gratitude to them for spending time with us and for serving their country.
May we remember this December 7th and always the lives of those who served and died for our country and who are also currently serving for our freedom.
Thank you to our armed forces and my cousin Kyle too 🙂
With gratitude,
Lauren
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P.S. Please be in prayer for the protection and safety of the people of Tacloban and surrounding islands as they face another typhoon – Typhoon Hagupit (Ruby). It is hitting land even as I post this blog.
