Photo-Hunt: In Memory

In Memory of US soldiers and Philippine Scouts who lost their lives during World War II in the Pacific (1941-1945) and Battle of the Philippines (1941-1942).

This is the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Global City, Taguig. I had an opportunity to visit this memorial one Saturday afternoon last year after lunch with a friend at Bonifacio High Street. Although I live not very far from the American Cemetery, it was the very first time that I actually entered its gate. It was a rainy and gloomy afternoon, and I suddenly had the urge to spend some time here.

I love cemeteries---don't ask me why.:D I guess it's the silence, the sense of my own mortality, and the ephemeral beauty of life that attract me to cemeteries. This particular cemetery serves as a reminder of the long standing relationship between the Philippines and the US, that is as relevant today as it was when those who are remembered here fought and died.

The Manila American Cemetery contains the largest number of graves in the Pacific for US personnel, a total of 17,202 headstones. On rectangular Trani limestone piers within the hemicycles are inscribed the names of 36,282 of the Missing who gave their lives and rest in unknown graves. Rosettes mark the names of those since recovered and identified.

"Time will not dim the glory of their deeds."

~ General of the Armies John J. Pershing

A chapel, a tall stone structure enriched with sculpture and mosaic, stands near the center of the cemetery. This memorial is surrounded by old acacia trees and well-maintained lawns. Parking spaces and restrooms are also available. Unfortunately, I can't bring Fritz here...dogs are not allowed.:D

The cemetery is open daily to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except December 25 and January 1. When the cemetery is open to the public, a staff member is on duty in the Visitor Building to answer questions and escort relatives to grave and memorial sites.

Posted for Photo-Hunter