The MacArthur Leyte Landing Memorial National Park (also known as the Leyte Landing Memorial Park and MacArthur Park) is a protected area of the Philippines that commemorates the historic landing of General Douglas MacArthur in Leyte Gulf at the start of the campaign to recapture and liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation on 20 October 1944. This event led to the largest naval battle of World War II (Also the world's largest naval battle in terms of gross tonnage sunk) and Japan's eventual defeat and surrender after almost three years.

Where did General Douglas MacArthur land when he returned to the Philippines to “liberate” the country from the Japanese invaders?

It’s in the Imeldific island of Leyte, where a park, formerly called the MacArthur Park, was erected to commemorate the historic day. The bronze statues tower over everyone, including the larger-than-life statues of President Sergio Osmeña and General Carlos P. Romulo, who were with the landing party of Gen. MacArthur.

The Leyte Landing Memorial commemorates the historic return of the flamboyant general, together with hundreds of thousands of men and hundreds of ships, on October 20, 1944. It was the start of the end of Japanese occupation in the Philippines. October 20 is celebrated every year, as the anniversary date of the Leyte Landing. The marker of the National Historical Institute placed at the park reads:

Leyte Landing Memorial, located at the Red Beach, Palo, Leyte. Just in case you go past the Memorial and gaze at the sea, you’ll notice that the beach brown to black — not red. The “red” in Red Beach doesn’t refer to the natural color of the sand, but its color after being drenched in blood.

The town of Palo is adjacent to, and the Memorial is a few minutes from, Tacloban City, the capital of the province of Leyte. There are no taxis in Tacloban City, so you could hire a tricycle, a ubiquitous mode of Philippine public transportation that resembles the famous German sidecar, in going to the park.

Gen. MacArthur had to leave the Philippines during the height of the Japanese attack. Upon reaching Australia, Gen. MacArthur uttered the phrase that is forever remembered by Filipinos: “I shall return“. Contrary to some misconceptions, these famous lines were uttered not when Gen. MacArthur left the Philippines, from his headquarters in Corregidor. Upon his return, General MacArthur issued a Proclamation, etched at the Leyte Landing Memorial. 

PROCLAMATION

To the People of the Philippines:

I have returned. By the grace of the Almighty God our forces stand again on Philippine soil — soil consecrated in the blood of our two peoples. We have come, dedicated and committed to the task of destroying every vestige of enemy control over your daily lives, and of restoring, upon a foundation of indestructible strength, the liberties of your people.

At my side is your President, Sergio Osmena, worthy successor of that great patriot Manuel Quezon, with members of his cabinet. The seat of your government is now therefore firmly re-established on Philippine soil.

The hour of your redemption is here. Your patriots have demonstrated an unswerving and resolute devotion to the principles of freedom that challenges the best that is written on the pages of human history. I now call upon your supreme effort that the enemy may know from the temper of an aroused and outraged people within that he has a force there to contend with no less violent than is the force committed from without.

Rally to me. Let the indomitable spirit of Bataan and Corregidor lead on. As the lines of battle roll forward to bring you within the zone of operations, rise and strike. Strike at every favorable opportunity. For your homes and hearths, strike! strike! For future generations of your sons and daughters, strike! In the name of your sacred dead, strike! Let no heart be faint. Let every arm be steeled. The guidance of Divine God points the way. Follow in His Name to the Holy Grail of righteous victory!

One of Tacloban City news reports – The country celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings on October 20 which the Leyte Provincial Government has announced.

Historians consider the victory of the Allied Forces against the Japanese Forces in the Battle of Leyte Gulf as the greatest naval battle in history, and proved to be the turning point of the Pacific war.

The 75th Leyte Gulf Landings anniversary has the theme: “Keeping Alive the Valor of the Heroes of World War II.” The city mayor explained that this was to honor the veterans for their bravery and courage, when they fought for freedom and peace against the Japanese invaders 75 years ago.

Photos were taken during the celebration of the 75th Leyte Gulf Landings anniversary.