near the MacArthur Landing Memorial in Palo, Leyte.
The human cost of wars in Leyte and Samar
This paper discusses the human cost of the Leyte episode of World War II and the Samar episode of the Philippine-American War. It concludes with a narration of recent efforts toward peace, understanding and reconciliation related to the Balangiga Massacre, which commemorated its own centennial in 2001.
In time of war, Mana Azon was engaged to marry an officer of the Japanese Imperial Army, a man she only knew as Captain Sasaki. But the Battle of Leyte intervened, and she never heard from her fianc� again. She only learned about his fate early this year, 54 years after the victorious return of the Allied Forces under Gen. Douglas MacArthur in October 1944.
A song and a friendship in wartime Biliran
THEY had never kissed at all. And "Besame Mucho" (Kiss Me a Lot), a Spanish folk song with a lively melody but strange lyrics, was one song that she could not finish singing without the help of a song sheet. Yet, this foreign song formed the affectionate bond of friendship that helped two virtual enemies survive a cruel war.Major Alejandro Balderian: A tribute to a local hero
A tribute to the local guerrilla leader whose group effectively harassed the Japanese forces in northeastern Leyte and prepared the area for the Leyte Landing in Oct. 1944. Balderian's wartime leadership role in Leyte remains ignored by both provincial and national governments, which had instead given out honors and awards to other individuals for lesser feats.
An article about the Philippine Commemorative Rock Garden of Peace, located some 50 meters north of the Leyte Landing statues in MacArthur Park, Palo, Leyte. Includes texts of messages from leaders of nations that contributed rock tablets for the memorial from their respective countries.
This linked section provides a local historical context that was covered up by existing American-oriented historiography of World War II in Leyte. The firm believer of the hedonistic American version of events may ignore this section.
Japanese university students who have toured Leyte were inevitably confronted with the memories of World War II in this island. This linked section presents their written reports, some of which cited useful lessons learned about the futility of war and the urgent need for peace among peoples.
Leyte Landing lessons still unlearned
Unlike the Japanese students featured in the above section, most Filipinos and Leyte�os have yet to learn the relevant lessons of the Leyte Landing event.