We Remember

During my vacation in the Philippines, we visited the Manila Cemetery and Memorial which has over 152 acres with 17,206 graves of American Soldiers and Allies who fought during World War II. This Cemetery is considered US Territory in the Philippines and is the largest Cemetery for American soldiers outside of the United States. This long weekend, we are commemorating Remembrance Day here in Canada and among Commonwealth Countries and Veterans Day in the United States both on the 11th day of November. We remember their sacrifices for fighting for our freedom and for defeating evil in this World. We shall never forget.

There are 17,206 Marble grave stones in the Cemetery. Those with the Star of David Marble grave stones are for the Jewish American soldiers who died. These were the American Soldiers who fought during WWII here in the Pacific for the Liberation of the Philippines and Southeast Asia region against the Japanese.

GRANT UNTO THEM O LORD
ETERNAL REST
WHO SLEEP
IN UNKNOWN GRAVES

These marble columns have over 36K engraved names of American and Filipino soldiers who died during WWII here in the Philippines and the Pacific region but their bodies are still Missing In Action, never found. 

The place is so peaceful and well maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission. 

The Mosaic Maps tell the story of the Battles and how the Allies achieved Victory during WWII.

Growing up, most of my Remembrance Day was commemorated telling the story of the Victory of the Allies in Normandy and the defeat of the Germans. This time, during my visit to the Philippines, I was able to visit this special place for the first time, paying homage to the fallen American and Filipino soldiers who fought side by side to liberate the Philippines and Southeast Asia. My mother's father, my Grandfather, is a Veteran too who fought against the Japanese during WWII. I felt like paying homage to his memory too. 

The simple but touching Chapel celebrating Victory and Peace.

TO THEIR MEMORY

THEIR COUNTRY BRINGS

IT'S GRATITUDE AS FLOWERS FOREVER LIVING.

May Peace be with you all! 

As reported in the News this weekend, there were apocalyptic devastation in the Southern Visayan Region of the Philippines brought by the Super Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan. Please help the Filipinos affected by this Super Typhoon as they are in need in this critical time of Food and Water by donating to the United Nations World Food Program (@WFP), Typhoon - Philippines. Thank you for your support.