PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday paid tribute to veterans who fought for the country’s freedom as part of the 80th commemoration of the Leyte Gulf Landings.
“To our veterans, words will never be enough to express the depth of our gratitude,” Marcos said in a message read by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
Marcos left for Indonesia last Saturday to attend yesterday’s oath-taking of new Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The President is scheduled to return to Manila today.
“What you gave us goes far beyond what we could ever repay. You have shown us that courage is about carrying the weight of sacrifice, about standing firm in the face of overwhelming odds, and trusting that your struggle would bring freedom to others,” said Marcos.
On October 20, 1944, American Gen. Douglas MacArthur, with President Sergio Osmeña, landed in Leyte, two years after withdrawing to Australia to muster forces, fulfilling his famous words “I shall return.”
The arrival of MacArthur, along with Osmeña and Gen. Carlos P. Romulo, started a battle that spanned 100,000 square miles of sea and was fought for three days — Oct. 23 to 25, 1944 — during the invasion of Leyte by Allied forces.
“Eighty years ago, Leyte witnessed a turning point in history. Imagine being here, right on this very shore. Gen. Douglas MacArthur stepped off a landing craft and made good on the three words that kept a whole nation hanging on. ‘I shall return,’” said Marcos.
MacArthur’s arrival set off the largest naval battle of World War II.
Marcos said that marked “the beginning of our long walk to
Freedom,” adding: “And freedom, as we know, does not come cheap.”
“Gen. MacArthur, along with President Sergio Osmeña, walked ashore at Red Beach in Palo, Leyte, and that moment became emblematic of the resolve of the Allied Forces and of the Filipino people. Although these men came from different backgrounds, they were united by a single cause: freedom,” said Marcos.
“They came from the United States, Australia, and even from our own soil. Facing extraordinary challenges brought by a determined invader, they gave everything for the possibility of a tomorrow free from oppression,” added Marcos.
Marcos, the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, also acknowledged every soldier “who has left home, not knowing if they would return.
“We pay tribute to our brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and we remember civilians who lived through years of fear and deprivation, yet held onto hope,” added Marcos.
“Because this fight did not end in 1944. It lives on in each of us, and it is our duty to continue their legacy,” Marcos said.
Marcos said the youth should remember that the freedom that they are enjoying now is not given. “It was fought for, brought by the blood, sweat, and tears of our ancestors,” he said.
“To our veterans, and to every Filipino, their fight is our fight. Let us carry forward the lessons of those who gave their all so that we can prosper in a society where hope and opportunity flourish for all,” added Marcos.
Teodoro said he supports all initiatives to ensure that the lessons and legacy of the Leyte Gulf Landings are “preserved, and shared and lived with current future generations.”
He also reiterated the DND’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate of “protecting our national security, territorial integrity, and the freedoms that our veterans have fought so hard for.”
