Manila American Cemetery – Must-See

Manila American Cemetery – Must-See.  Across the globe, lay in rest over 200,000 men and women who perished in battle defending the United Stated and its allies. These heroes were predominantly American but also many allies are interred side by side. The American Battle Monuments Commission maintains 25 military cemeteries as well as 27 memorials and monuments throughout the world.

In Manila, is the Manila American Cemetery, the resting place for over 17,000 soldiers, including 500 plus Pilipino soldiers. Those who lay here perished fighting in WWII both in the Philippines and New Guinea.

This massive area of over 150 acres is located in an urban area of Manila. Skyscrapers surround this peaceful and green expanse.   A circular memorial anchors the cemetery with the graves extending out in expanding circles in eleven plots. Pristine, white marble headstones solemnly mark the graves with over 3,000 unknown burials. An occasional bouquet of flowers accompanies the headstone. The grounds are meticulously maintained with trees periodically appearing to provide shade.

And when in Manila, check out these hidden gems in Manila.

The memorial in the center is constructed with white marble and two flagpoles point to the sky with both an American and Pilipino flag. A small and simple chapel can be found in the center. On the outer circle of the memorial, maps are displayed that depict the battles were fought. And the names of the fallen are etched into the marble. Seeing these hundreds of names is both overwhelming and sobering. So many names. The state seals of the US dot the circumference of the memorial.

And when you are ready to move on and explore more of the Philippines, check out things to see and do in Siquijor.

Within the grounds rest 23 Medal Of Honor recipients. The five Sullivan brothers also known as the “Fighting Sullivans” are also buried here. These five Iowan brothers were all lost in the sinking of the USS Juneau in the Pacific during WWII.

My visit to the Manila American Cemetery was an isolated affair. I only saw a handful of other visitors mixed in with the occasional groundskeeper. This cemetery serves for a reflective visit, to contemplate the thousands of lives, who made the ultimate sacrifice.  Manila American Cemetery – Must-See.

And check out Palau Pacific Perfection, there is actually a direct flight from Manila.

Manila American Cemetery – Must-See.

Photos From Chernobyl

Sign up to receive your free copy of Photos From Chernobyl.  Over 100 photos from the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

SUBSCRIBE!

You have Successfully Subscribed!