The Manila American War Cemetery & Memorial

Since yesterday was a holiday, I decided to take my elder brother with me to the Manila American Cemetery and War Memorial. I’ve been to this cemetery many, many times as a bird guide to newbie bird-watchers. But, yesterday was quite different. I visited as a nature and photography enthusiast day-tripping, and a whole “new” world opened up before me. I became aware of so many things that moved me which I didn’t experience in my past visits. It’s so amazing how one perceives things, events, people, relationships, etc. Once we change our focus and purpose, almost everything changes with it, and we begin to see things in a whole new light just like what I’ve experienced here as a day-tripper at the war cemetery. I was totally oblivious to the hand-carved seals on the walkway of the semi-circled headstones! Oh boy, was I so delighted to see the seals while quietly murmuring to myself, “Why on earth did I not see these in my past visits.” It is so beautifully hand-carved. That is the point.

This war cemetery is a very good place for photography enthusiasts to hone their skills and it will take several trips back to appreciate its vast landscape and the serenity that it brings to every visitor.

Of course, I was still very much aware of the birds singing and flying around, and that is why I did not miss out on the Ring-necked Parakeet which has made the cemetery grounds its habitat.
This bird is not from the Philippines and it is believed to be an escapee from the bird trade. But it has made the cemetery a more worthwhile place to visit specially for bird-watching.
All though it was a short visit, I was very happy to make this spur-of the-moment trip with my brother. It was his first time to see this wonderful war cemetery and I know he had a great time.

"Time will not dim the glory of their deeds." —General John J. Pershing, U.S. Army

As an American visiting the Philippines, no trip is complete without a pilgrimage-tour of the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.

This hallowed park honors the 17,006 United States and Filipino heroes who made the supreme sacrifice for their country—their young lives in Pacific Theater operations during World War II. I've been to many cemeteries and taken active parts in funerals, but what really touched me greatly was seeing row after row after row of so many graves filled with the bodies or parts of so many young people. Though they didn't die in vain and all of them are undoubtedly heroes, it was just so sad to consider that the mean age of these brave was about 20.

The cemetery-memorial is located about six miles southeast of Manila and can be reached easily by taxicab. The memorial park covers 152 acres and is America's largest overseas military cemetery. Along with the war dead, the numbers climb to 36,285 military personnel when including those listed as missing in action and hence presumed dead. The graves of 570 Filipino scouts who offered their supreme sacrifice are here, too.

Upon entering this field of crosses and a few stars, you will see buildings that have the names of all the dead and missing soldiers, sailors, and marines engraved on the walls. The fallen heroes who won their country's highest honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor, have brightly painted stars before their names. There are 28 Medal of Honor winners buried here. Throughout the day, chimes ring out from the bell tower honoring these fallen heroes and signifying their victory over tyranny.

Death comes to us all, as the old saying goes, and to die in battle must be particularly hard. Although this writer is no stranger to bloodshed, I was moved when I saw the tombs of so many who died so horribly young. They reminded me of my own brushes with violent death, yet my experiences seemed miniscule when compared with the brief lives and deaths of these heroes who lay underground. Those "young" graves sent shivers up my spine. Who in their right, or even their wrong minds, would ever want to engage in a war? Of course, WWII was to be the "Last Crusade" and the cause was a noble one, but war is still a very messy and painful affair.

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