⌛ Liberation Day

I know that I need not remind readers of the anniversary date this Sunday 26 April. On that date in 1945 Dumaguete was liberated by Filipino and US troops after nearly three years of Japanese occupation.

Lest we forget.

 

Amen brother. Our office manager's father was on the Bataan march. She has his canteen with the map he carved during the march on the back of it . Pretty stirring stuff. It always amazes me how soon we forget. He passed three months ago. God bless America and God bless the Philippines and God bless you for all you gave.

 

i didn't know that, so thanks. i only know about the war in Europe.

 

Not really about Liberation Day per say, but still poignant, lest we forget all those who died and their ultimate sacrifice:-

Terry Kelly's "A pittance of time",

YouTube - A Pittance of Time - Terry Kelly

 

Here's a few of the guys that did it...

 

Well done davitz. We must not forget about such things.

The boys in the previous pic look a little thin. Perhaps they were POW'S? There is an excellent movie about the war in the Philippines called "The Great Raid". It centers around a Japanese prison camp in Luzon. I am thinking it is accurate but I am not qualified for that judgement. This would be a wonderful time for all you transplants in Dumaguete to find a WWII vet and thank him for his services. Time is running out for these guys. My friend is active in a charity group that generates money to fly vets from Ohio (USA) to Washington DC to see the WWII memorial. I will mention this to him and he can share the good word with some of the old timers here that may have been in this theater of war. I hope I am not preaching here but I'll bet some of you can come up with a bottle or two of Tanduay or something and make someones day.

 

Here's the plaque in the park.

 

The Filipinos have been invaded and overrun by everyone since before Magellan, it is a tribute to their resilience and fortitude that a unique Philippine culture still exists. As to Americas role, perhaps the least offensive of the invaders of the Philippines, we even tolerated Marcos. you want to talk to a veteran? talk to the guy in Valencia, Cata-al I think his name is, 80 plus years, a Philippine resistance fighter. He has stories. The honor and glory should go to the Filipinos who stayed on the ground in their own country and resisted the Japanese for years.

 

I am thinking that the movie I referrenced " The Great Raid" showed the Filipinos resistance as it should have with all the honor and respect they deserve. And that is indeed a large amount of both. I hate to use Hollywood for historical education but if they did their job right then it's OK. I am in my 40's and presently in Cleveland, Ohio USA and do not have the option of talking to one who lived this specific experience.

As for Americas role prior to WWII I suppose there is many points of view on this. You used the word invader which is clearly on one sided for example. I would not use that term. But on the other hand enough Filipinos died in the early days of the experience with the Americans that it can be said.

Regardless of ones political or historical perspective we must also consider the sacrifices of the average Joe who left his job, his family, and his friends, to steam 12,000 miles across the ocean to fight on some of the most god forsaken beaches and battlefields imaginable. (the whole Pacific theater) This was the 1940's and not the 21 century. At that point in history, there was little reason for this man to give his life for the Philippines from a strategic point, or to save his own family, or for reason of personal gain. He did it because it was right. There is no greater honor than that.

So who did the most for this common cause? The Filipino fighting for his home, or the Allied fighter who fought for the Filipino? Trick question. There is no answer and seeking one out would be counter productive. The Answer is for us to remember all these men and women and to continue to discuss their sacrifice as we are right now. We honor them when we do this.

 

Perfectly said, longtimejoe... thank you!