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PALO, Leyte: The historic 76th Leyte Gulf Landing was commemorated Tuesday in simple rites held at the MacArthur Memorial Shrine in Barangay Baras here, as mass gatherings are not allowed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla y Palo, Leyte Mayor Frances Ann Petilla led provincial and local officials in the rites without the presence of foreign dignitaries, WWII veterans, or the public.
The commemorative program began with the raising of the flags of the Philippines, Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America and a 21-gun salute.
Governor Petilla cited the heroism and bravery of the heroes of World War II, who fought to liberate the country.
In her virtual message, Mayor Petilla said, “Our heroes and veterans have served our country with the best form of service I can imagine. We continue to owe them our thanks, our gratitude and our respect. We owe it to them to pass on their history and patriotism to future generations. We need to continue and strengthen the foundations that have laid us: a free, resilient and united nation ”.
In previous years, the Leyte Gulf Landing was celebrated in festive commemorative rites with a civic-military parade at the MacArthur Sanctuary and in the city of Tacloban and with the celebration of a neighborhood party (village festival) on October 19 at night to receive foreign dignitaries. and honor veterans of World War II.
Elvira Biscario, secretary of the Philippine Sons and Daughters Association Veterans Federation, said only two veterans were present during the memorial program due to the pandemic.
On October 20, 1944, US General Douglas MacArthur, along with President Sergio Osmeña and General Carlos P. Romulo, again set foot on Red Beach in Palo.
MacArthur’s landing marked the fulfillment of his promise to “I will return” after he left for Australia to rally the support of Allied forces in his attempt to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation.
NESTOR L. ABREMATEA
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