Did you know about these statues? I've known of them forever it seems, but I had no idea until today they are so large, darn near ozymandias. I always imagined them life-size, they appear to be double that. Clever and beautiful idea to mount them in water, don't you think? I also assumed they were mounted in the actual bay, but not so, they are in a separate adjacent pool. For stability, I suppose.
This is a very big deal in the Philippines, a 3-day holiday each year. Banks close, parades, the whole deal.
Japanese occupied the entire Philippines for nearly three years. It was essential to the Japanese war effort, essential for Americans and Australians to deprive them. It is a heartfelt tribute. I find it quite moving.
I honestly believe this is the sort of thing our present CIC does not comprehend in its fullness. I honestly believe he is incapable of internalizing its importance and so what it means to be American. Otherwise, we would not see the cynicism we see in politicizing the lives of soldiers and airmen today.
I love how the people pose with the statues. This is what statues are for. That gets me. It does.
That early afternoon of October 20, 1944, MacArthur and his party must have indeed looked awe-inspiring and larger than life. Far more than a moment in history, it was a moment of intense human emotion and a promise fulfilled. Indeed, which Filipino has not heard of MacArthur’s immortal words of “I shall return?” With Filipinos and American troops sustaining heavy losses in the war with the Japanese during MacArthur’s absence of over two years, I can only imagine what must have been running through their minds and hearts when MacArthur set foot again on Philippine soil and helped them end the Japanese occupation.
http://blogs.denverpost.com/captured/2010/03/18/captured-blog-the-pacific-and-adjacent-theaters/#more-1547
http://iamtravelinglight.com/2013/08/07/history-and-leisure-at-macarthur-landing-memorial-park/
http://www.batch2006.com/visit_macarthur_park.htm
