It was already my nth time visiting the MacArthur Leyte Landing Memorial National Park. Whenever we go to Leyte, it seems a tradition to pass by in this famous landmark. On October 20, 1944, General Douglas MacArthur made his indelible return to the Philippines at this very site, marking a historic moment in World War II when the country was liberated from Japanese occupation.

The Leyte Landing Memorial stands as a tribute to the Battle of Leyte Gulf, a monumental naval engagement that holds the distinction of being one of the largest in history and a pivotal moment during World War II. This memorial is a poignant homage to the collective efforts of American and Filipino soldiers who joined forces, heralding the commencement of the Japanese forces’ decline in the Philippines. Serving as an emblem of hope and liberation, it serves to perpetuate the memory of the remarkable valor demonstrated by those who valiantly fought in this decisive battle.

Located in Palo, Leyte, the Leyte Landing Memorial is an impressive monument that captures the spirit of the historic event. At the heart of the memorial lies a captivating feature: a shallow manmade pool housing seven double-life-sized bronze statues. These statues vividly depict General MacArthur and his distinguished entourage during the monumental A-Day Landing, an iconic moment immortalized in Gaetano Faillace’s renowned photograph. Together with General MacArthur, the individuals represented in the statues encompass a significant array of figures: President-in-exile Sergio Osmeña, Lieutenant General Richard Sutherland, Brigadier General Carlos P. Romulo, Major General Courtney Whitney, Sergeant Francisco Salveron (Gen. MacArthur’s aide and orderly), and CBS Radiocorrespondent William J. Dunn. Crafted by the renowned Filipino sculptor Anastacio Caedo, these statues were unveiled and inaugurated during the 37th anniversary of A-Day in 1981. They serve as poignant markers, symbolizing the very spot where General MacArthur fulfilled his iconic promise of “I shall return” at Red Beach. This particular stretch of beach, extending from Marasbaras to Palo, acquired its name from the codename assigned to it by the US Sixth Army as one of the designated landing areas.