I’m re-blogging this post by Glenn Martinez because it reminds me of a day long ago. My mom was visiting us in the Philippines, and the American Cemetery was close to where we lived. I’d never been there before, but you know how it is, when visitors come to town, you take them to see the sights you’d never see otherwise.
As Glenn reminds us in this post: The Manila American Cemetery is the largest resting place for American service men and women outside the United States. My mom and I were surprised at how big it was. It’s a beautiful cemetery, well cared for and dignified.
Another personal memory from that day was how well my youngest daughter, who had recently learned to walk, ran up and down the hills.
MCKINLEY ROAD. Serious, simple, and sprawling, this is the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Established a decade after World War II in what is known then as Fort McKinley, it is the largest resting place for American service men outside the United States. The best way to reach the cemetery […]
So interesting! I had no idea.
My dad fought in Europe, and we hear so much about WWII in Europe, so I think it’s surprising to all of us that the largest overseas American military cemetery is in the Pacific.
Interesting to know all that there is about the Manila American Cemetery. From the images on Traveler’s blog, it does look every bit the sprawling resting place for those who fought in the war, especially the Americans back in the day. Love the bit about the mosaic. There really are many more stories that come out of the war, ranging from stories of survival, hope and of course love.
Fascinating subject, and loved your writing and pictures. Before I retired I took my class of middle-schoolers to a pioneer cemetery in LaConner. We spent twice the time for which I had planned, and had lunch there. This was the favorite activity of the year as we learned about our community.
How interesting that a cemetery was their favorite activity of the year. My sister has always been interested in cemeteries for the local history they provide. This Memorial Day, we visited the little Bay View Cemetery looking for some ancestors. We found some but not others. It was an interesting trip, though.
Hi, Mabel. Most Americans think of the American troops that fought in Europe, but over 100,000 American soldiers lost their lives fighting in Asia during WWII. That must be why the Manila American Cemetery is so big.
When I was researching my novel, Tiger Tail Soup, I was surprised to read that the Japanese invaded my husband’s hometown in China on the same day as they bombed Pearl Harbor. They also invaded Malaysia that day. Your family must have some war stories to tell too.
That post had great information and photos! Are you still reading the letters you wrote your mom?
Glenn does excellent research on every place he spotlights, and his photos are always good. He often brings his little boy along on his trips. He seems to have a great fondness for Philippine history, art, and historic buildings.
I’m still planning to go back to the letters my mom saved. I haven’t found a good topic yet, but I will.