Defense Sponsors 80th Anniversary of Philippines' Liberation in Manila

As partners with the American Battle Monuments Foundation, Teledyne FLIR Defense sponsored the official 80th Anniversary Commemoration of the Liberation of the Philippines on February 22nd, held at the Manila American Cemetery. 

"As the most devastated city in the Pacific, it could be easy for many of us to forget about the death and destruction in Manila at this difficult time in our history," said President of the Republic of the Philippines Ferdinand R. Marcos in his address. "Yet, we are all here this afternoon, 80 years since the liberation of Manila and the end of the second World War, honoring our veterans, all those who stood firm for democracy and for humanity."

The toll that World War II took on the Philippines is difficult to fathom, with hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians killed (Manila alone lost one in 10 civilians). Gathering survivors from the conflict, as well as today's leaders, is pivotal to keeping these profound sacrifices in the public consciousness and memory.

World War II Veterans as special guests of the ABMF Manila Memorial Event

Along with six honored World War II veterans and foreign dignitaries in the audience, Defense was represented by Nathan Grove, who made a second trip to the Philippines this month after participating in a honorary recreation of the Rescue at Cabanatuan's march.

Organized by the Legends of the 75th Rangers, this march traced the path that U.S. Rangers followed through the Philippines 80 years ago to liberate the Cabanatuan POW camp where American servicemen and women, along with their Filipino allied soldiers and scouts, were taken after their 1942 surrender to Imperial Japanese forces.

At the time of the raid, 516 POWs remained alive within the camp. After tracking war crimes and massacres befalling other POW camps in the area, General Douglas A. MacArthur called upon the 6th Ranger Battalion and Alamo Scouts, along with a team of Philippine Guerillas, to plan and carry out the critical mission. 

A recreation of the March in past and present day

The Raid was an incredible success for the Allies, resulting in the safe liberation of all the camp's prisoners. In honor of their astounding reconnaissance, commitment, and bravery, 22 former Rangers came together to retrace their steps over 25 miles.

"I was honored and humbled to be a part of the 80th Anniversary celebrations," said Nathan. "This truly hits home for myself and my family, having my Great Uncle Richard H. Davenport buried at the Manila American Cemetery. The Liberation of Manila not only liberated U.S. POWs and the Filipino people, but it also allowed Manila to rebuild and reconciliate with the death and destruction of the war. The Manila American Cemetery is the largest cemetery in the ABMF inventory, and to be able to visit my Uncle Dick's grave and attend this ceremony was truly the experience of a lifetime."

Thanks to Nathan Grove for making the trip twice in honor of this anniversary and representing Teledyne FLIR Defense's commitment to preserving this critical world history. 

Video from the Legands of the 75th March