Corregidor Island,Manila Bay,
Philippines
23 February 2009
Update: we were able to replace the car lock/ unlock transmitter which failed last week. Our car no longer sounds the alarm as we drive.
A note as to how “small the world is”: This last week while Sister MB and Elder NB were teaching one hundred graduating university students the Career Workshop, two people came into our class room to observe the curriculum. As we introduced ourselves after the class we found out they were from USU and that the lady lives in Elder NB’s sister’s ward in Cache Valley and was asked to look us up. WOW!
Sister MB celebrated her birthday this week and we took a little side trip to an island in Manila Bay called the ROCK or Corregidor Island. It was fortified by the Americans before and after WWI then fought over by the Japanese and Americas during WWII. It was the last place the Japanese took from the Americans at the beginning of the war in the Philippines and reversed at the close of the war. A lot of men died defending this strategic piece of real estate. This is the island General MacArthur was forced by the enemy to leave and he said “I shall return”.
We toured the remains of the large gun placements, bombed out barracks, and elaborate tunnel system where they had offices and hospitals as well as emergency housing for the Philippine government. The Philippines was a US possession during this time and Clark Field near Angeles was attacked by the Japanese within 12 hours of the attack on Pearl Harbor. They took out a number of fighter planes that were still on the ground as they attacked. Needless to say with two armies fighting over this island not much was left standing when they were finished.
We toured the remains of the large gun placements, bombed out barracks, and elaborate tunnel system where they had offices and hospitals as well as emergency housing for the Philippine government. The Philippines was a US possession during this time and Clark Field near Angeles was attacked by the Japanese within 12 hours of the attack on Pearl Harbor. They took out a number of fighter planes that were still on the ground as they attacked. Needless to say with two armies fighting over this island not much was left standing when they were finished.
The tour we took was conducted by knowledgeable guides who shared information freely. The island now has a modern hotel and a lot of memorials to the fallen from different countries. The US has an impressive dome authorized by President Kennedy.
The opportunity to be on this island and feel the spirit of those who gave their life for our freedom was a treat. We honor those men and women who served including the Filipinos who were courageous in their efforts to defend the Philippines.
Elder NB & Sister MB
3 comments:
I am so glad you had the opportunity to see "THE ROCK" and learn of it's history. It is wonderful that you get to tour, travel, and enjoy the islands. This will be such a memorable experience! Love you! Melissa
It sounds like you two are enjoying your time there. I'm glad you get to see some sights while you are there. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mary (Sister MB)!!
I'm so happy you two are able to tour a little bit and especially on your 63rd BD. What a special treat. Hope you are getting lots of pictures. The one with the lake behind you two is my favorite I think so far. Have a beautiful and successful week and we will be talking soon. Love ya, Kay
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