I visited Leyte Island from October 20th to 22nd
Haveyou ever heard about Leyte Island? I have read a book about the Leyte War, but to tell the truth, I didn't know that Leyte Island is in the Philippines, before I came here.About one month ago, my friend, Jun, asked me, "Would you like to go to Leyte Island with me?" I'm interested in Leyte Island, so I said, "Sure, I'll go with you."After that he developed an elaborate plan forthe trip, and asked a travel agency in Manila to guide us around historic sites and memorials in Leyte Island.The participants in the tour were only two, Jun and me, but I think it was okay.I think this travel would be a kind of duty as a Japanese citizen.It costs about Php 40,000 per person, but I think it as a kind of tax.First of all, I'll write down a brief summary of the Battle of Leyte.The Japanese Imperial Forces landed on the Philippines on December 10th 1941. It was after three days they attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The American Forces retreated from the Philippines in May 1942. Mac Arthur withdrew the American Forces from the Philippines, but at that time he announced that he would return again.Sure enough, he returned from Ausralia to Leyte Island on October 20th in 1944. We arrived at Leyte on the same date as he landed 74 years ago. What a coincidence!!Now, on October 20th in 1944.The American Forces landed on the three beaches of east coast of Leyte, Tacloban, Durag and Panon Island.After that, one of the army marched along Tacloban, Carigara, Lemon, Kananga,Libungao, and heading Ormoc.Another marched along Dulag, Abuyog, Baybay,Albuera, and heading Ormoc.The other advanced from Panaon to the north.The American Forces attacked the Japanese Forces from both sideof north and south.On the other hand,when the American Forces landed, the 16th Division with 20,000 soldiers, defended Leytr Island against the American Forces. After that Japan reinforced an army one after another.On Nobember 1st the first Division landed.On November 9th the 26th Division landed.However, at last Japanese Forces sacrificed many soldiers and military supplies.The result of the Battle of Leyte.Eventually, the American Forces won the Battle of Leyte.The Japanese Imperial Forces sent 80,000 soldiers to Leyte, but most of the soldiers were killed.and what is worse, many of them starved to death, not being killed in action.People say that the number of survivors from the battle was just 2,500.The American Forces sent 200,000 or more soldiers and the overwhelming amount of different kinds of weapons were winning hit.I fully felt that if someone had decided to end the war earlier, a lot of people would have survived.We must not repeat such foolish mistake as this.It was beautifulon October 20th in Cebu. Mactan-Cebu International AirportThis was the boading gate "25B" for Leyte Island. Many people were waiting.He is my friend, Jun. He made all plans for the Leyte Island memorial tour.I'm lucky to have such a good friend in Cebu. Thank you very much.I am looking forward to seeing the sea of Leyte Philippines Airlines A propeller planeThe type of this airplane is Bombardier Q400.She is a flight attendant.We arrived at Tacloban Airport in Leyte Island.The sign of this airport is written in local language.This is a the former Imperial Japanese army's dugout at a convention center, Patio Victoria. We went down the steps on the left side and came into it.This is usually called in Japanese,"tochka" (ﾄｰﾁｶ）Thereis a small window which soldier shoot a gun through.There are two dugouts here, and this is the other. Both are about the same size.an inscription on the dugout.Two dugouts have been maintained and preserved for posterity.I guess this dugout would have never been used in real fighting.This daywas the anniversary of Mac Arthur landing on Leyte Island.The 74th landing anniversary comemoration ceremony was held on the Memorial Park. At first we couldn't go in , but the president of a rent-a-car company negotiated with soldier, and we were allowed togo in the park. The president is so smart.!Many people participated in the ceremony.The speech by a guest was given Four national flags of Japan, the U.S., the Philippines, and Australia were displayed.Thisis the chair which a Filipino soldier gave me at the ceremony.I think a Filipino is always very kind.Mac Arthur landed on Leyte Island on October 20th 1944. This is the statue.This is an inscription.Jun and Kazu.This is the Australian memorial.The ceremony ended with the music.The 50th commemorative ceremony monument.former Prime Minister of Japan Tomiichi Murayama.formerPresident of the U.S. William Clinton.former President of the People's Republic of China, Jiang Zemin with Filipino soldiers with Filipino police officers.They look scary, but very friendly and kind.Thank you for reading.See you next time.kazu.
